Harper Government Invests in Northern British Columbia Community Infrastructure
Press Release
September 22, 2014 – Burns Lake, British Columbia – Western Economic Diversification Canada
Today, Michelle Rempel, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced over $233,000 in federal funding under the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF) in support of five infrastructure projects in British Columbia – three in the Nechako region, one in the North Coast, and one in the Cariboo.
In Economic Action Plan 2012, the Government of Canada announced further support to help communities across the country modernize their infrastructure. The Government committed $150 million over two years for the Fund. CIIF supported projects that aimed to improve existing community infrastructure accessible for use by the public, such as community centres, recreational buildings, local arenas, and further community and cultural facilities.
Quick Facts
- Federal funding improved facilities across the District of Kitimat, including increased accessibility at the Kitimat Aquatic Centre.
- The Eagle Creek Recreation Commission hosts an annual fall fair on the recreation grounds. The infrastructure improvements include upgrades to the area’s campground and two arenas.
- The Quesnel and District Child Development Centre provides programs for children and their families living with special needs. The funds supported upgrades to their building’s heating and cooling systems.
- Fort St. James is home to one of the largest public aquifer water systems in Canada. Their damaged bridge water main was repaired with federal funding.
- Tl’azt’en Nation has a population of 1,300. The funds allowed the Nation to make infrastructure improvements to their water plant and community hall.
Quotes
“I am pleased to announce our Government’s support for infrastructure improvement projects in BC’s Nechako, North Coast, and Cariboo regions. These facilities provide important community services, and support the prosperity of our communities for years to come.”
– The Honourable Michelle Rempel, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification
“The Quesnel & District Child Development Centre (CDC) greatly appreciates the funding from Western Economic Diversification Canada. The upgrades have assured the comfort of our employees, the children we support and their families, our tenants, and other visitors to the CDC Building. We have been able to reduce energy costs, allowing more funding to be allocated directly to meeting the needs of our clients. We look forward to many more years in the building.”
– Lynn Mathiesen, Executive Director, Quesnel and District Child Development Centre Association
Related Products
Backgrounder
Additional Links
- District of Kitimat: http://www.kitimat.ca/
- Eagle Creek Recreation Commission: http://www.ldfallfair.ca/index.php/about-our-fair/society
- Quesnel and District Child Development Centre Association: http://www.quesnelcdc.com/
- District of Fort St. James: http://www.fortstjames.ca/
- Tl’azt’en Nation: http://www.tlc.baremetal.com
Contacts
Emily Goucher
Office of the Minister
Western Economic Diversification
Telephone: 613-954-8097
Email: emily.goucher@wd-deo.gc.ca
Janet Chen
Manager of Communications
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Telephone: 604-666-3395
Email: janet.chen@wd-deo.gc.ca
Lynn Mathiesen
Executive Director
Quesnel and District Child Development Centre Association
Quesnel, British Columbia
Telephone: 250-992-2481
Email: lynnm@quesnelcdc.com
WD Toll-Free Number: 1-888-338-WEST (9378)
Teletypewriter (TTY): 1-877-303-3388
Website: WD is online at www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
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Backgrounder
Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund
Through the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF), the Government of Canada has committed to creating jobs and supporting communities through repairs and improvements to existing community facilities. Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) delivered the Fund in Western Canada with an allocation of $46.2 million over two years.
Five CIIF projects have been funded – three in the Nechako region, one in the North Coast, and one in the Cariboo.
| Funding Recipient | Project Description | Federal Contribution (CIIF) |
| District of Kitimat | The recipient improved accessibility at various district facilities, installing a handicap pool lift and ladder, automated doors, and accessible picnic tables and playground structures. | $27,100 |
| Eagle Creek Recreation Commission | The recipient made upgrades to the Eagle Creek Recreation Grounds, including upgrades to the campground, and two arenas. | $17,800 |
| Quesnel and District Child Development Centre Association | The recipient upgraded the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system of the Quesnel and District Child Development Centre. | $33,875 |
| District of Fort St. James | The recipient repaired a damaged bridge water main in Fort St. James. | $51,300 |
| Tl’azt’en Nation | The recipient made upgrades to their infrastructure, including the Tachie Water Plant and Dzit’lian’li Community Centre. | $103,350 |
| Total: | $233,425 | |
More information on the delivery of the Fund in each region is available by contacting each regional development agency. In Western Canada, please visit www.wd-deo.gc.ca for further details.
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