The governments of Canada and British Columbia announced an investment of more than $24.3 million for the construction of a new water treatment plant in Williams Lake.
The project will reduce manganese levels in the drinking water, contributing to the overall well-being and resilience of the community.
“Investments in essential public infrastructure are vital to building healthy and resilient communities. Funding announced today for Williams Lake ensures that residents across the municipality have efficient and safe water infrastructure that provides clean drinking water, better stormwater management, and better protection from inclement weather events,” said Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada.
The project will install approximately 850 metres of new watermain, providing the community with an increased supply of fresh, clean drinking water. The new water treatment plant will include a chlorination and filtration system that will lower manganese levels in the drinking water which is important for public health, especially among vulnerable groups like children and the elderly.
“Having access to clean drinking water is critical to our well-being, and I know local governments are working hard to ensure community members’ health and safety,” said Anne Kang, Minister of Municipal Affairs. ” That’s why we are investing in a water treatment plant in Williams Lake so the communities in the Cariboo region have access to safe, reliable drinking water while protecting our natural resource,” said Anne Kang, B.C. Minister of Municipal Affairs.
“Williams Lake has been focused on this project for a number of years and we are pleased that this partnership funding will help to deliver. A new water treatment plant will serve our community for decades into the future and is an essential investment in the Cariboo region. We are very thankful to both Provincial and Federal governments for their continued support,” said Surinderpal Rathor, Mayor of Williams Lake.
Featured image: (Government of Canada)
