Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Member of Parliament for North Vancouver announced funding for 11 projects to help B.C. communities save energy and reduce pollution.
“Expanding electric vehicle charging stations across Vancouver Island will make clean transportation more viable for more people,” said Wilkinson. “Encouraging green energy solutions like this is essential to building strong resilient communities. Canada’s infrastructure plan invests in thousands of projects, creates jobs across the country, and builds stronger communities.”
In Vancouver, the Sewage Heat Recovery Expansion Project will increase the capacity of the Neighbourhood Energy Utility (NEU) to provide buildings in the False Creek area with low-carbon heat and hot water. The NEU recycles waste heat and uses a mix of renewable and conventional natural gas to reduce harmful emissions.
Funding is also going towards expanding the network of Level-2 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across the province. More than 80 new stations will be installed in communities across mid-Vancouver Island, as well as northern and central B.C., making clean transportation options more viable for more people.
These, along with other green infrastructure projects are expected to strengthen local economies now while promoting sustainable growth long-term health and well-being.
A sewer heat recovery energy centre in Richmond, B.C.
The Government of Canada is investing more than $28.5 million in these projects through the Green Infrastructure Stream (GIS) of the Investing in Canada plan, and local and Indigenous communities are contributing more than $13 million. The Government of British Columbia is contributing nearly $18 million through the CleanBC Communities Fund, part of the federal GIS.
“This investment through the Green Infrastructure Stream is a great example of how federal partnerships with all levels of government can ensure a sustainable future for generations. Amidst COVID-19, we can rebuild better with a green recovery,” said Hedy Fry, Member of Parliament for Vancouver Centre.
Through the Investing in Canada Plan, the Government of Canada is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada’s rural and northern communities. Of this, $4.2 billion will be invested in 525 infrastructure projects across B.C.
Featured image caption: Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Member of Parliament for North Vancouver announced funding for 11 green energy projects.
