New investments in community infrastructure by the governments of Canada and British Columbia will benefit Northern communities while also supporting economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
These investments – which will impact 24 projects in northern BC – are expected to play a key role in strengthening local economies and helping ensure improved access to services and cultural networks while building resilient communities.
“Investing in community, recreation and cultural infrastructure promotes people’s health and well-being and builds strong dynamic communities where people want to put down roots and do business,” said Patrick Weiler, Member of Parliament for West Vancouver–Sunshine Coast–Sea to Sky Country, on behalf of Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and Maryam Monsef, Minister of Rural Economic Development.
Atlin, BC
Projects receiving support include the following:
- The Saulteau First Nations will build a new community centre to provide residents with a gathering space and fitness centre. The building will include an art space, a kitchen, and meeting rooms, as well as a climbing wall, bleachers and washrooms, increasing access to fitness programs, courses, training, cultural programs and social activities for the community.
- The Taku River Tlingit First Nation will build a new wastewater treatment facility to serve their community and the surrounding Atlin area. The new facility will replace a lagoon that was built in the 1980s and will help to protect the surrounding environment.
Other funding initiatives include improvements to community centres, health centres, storm water management systems, drinking water and wastewater facilities, cultural facilities and social support hubs.
The Government of Canada is contributing more than $49.9 million, the Government of British Columbia is contributing over $15.4 million and the individual applicants are contributing more than $11.5 million to these projects through the Community, Culture, and Recreation Infrastructure Stream (CCRIS), and the Rural and Northern Communities Infrastructure Stream (RNIS) of the Investing in Canada Plan.
More than $40.5 million of the federal funding is going to 12 projects in Indigenous communities.
For further information about the programs and applications, click here.
Featured image credit: Government of Canada.
