The federal and provincial governments are investing more than $1.3 million to upgrade the Fort Nelson wastewater system. The Honourable Jay Hill, Secretary of State, Chief Government Whip and MP for Prince George-Peace River, and Richard Neufeld, MLA for Peace River North, announced the investment under the Canada-B.C. Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (CBCMRIF) today.

“This investment will ensure an efficient and reliable wastewater system for more than 4,500 residents in Fort Nelson,” said Mr. Hill on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, President of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification. “The Government of Canada is proud to work in partnership with the Province of British Columbia to help its communities become even more vibrant and productive places to live, work and raise families.”

The investment will enable the Town of Fort Nelson to perform repairs to its existing wastewater treatment facilities and install new sewer equipment, resulting in the reduction of future leaks and improved system efficiency.

“Our government is committed to investing in sustainable infrastructure that benefits communities,” said Mr. Neufeld. “By working together, the federal government, the Province and the Town of Fort Nelson are making this upgrade possible.”

“The upgrade to our existing sewer system will help increase the efficiency and reliability of one of our most important infrastructure projects in Fort Nelson,” said Mayor Chris Morey. “We’re pleased that funding from the provincial and federal governments can make this happen for our residents.”

Under the initial CBCMRIF Agreement signed in June 2006, the federal and provincial governments each committed $51 million to the fund, with participating local governments to make up the remaining costs. This year, the Government of Canada and the Province of B.C. have each provided an additional $23.5 million to the Canada-B.C. Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund as part of their commitment to help smaller communities meet their pressing infrastructure needs. This additional funding brings the total federal and provincial investment and matching local government contribution in CBCMRIF projects to over $220 million.

The majority of the funding is targeted towards communities of fewer than 250,000 people and at least 60 per cent of the funding will assist with “green projects” such as drinking water supply, treatment and distribution needs as well as wastewater and energy efficiency projects. The remaining funds will be dedicated to other projects like tourism, recreation and other community infrastructure.

More details on the program are available through the Canada-British Columbia Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund website, at http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/CBMRIF/.

For additional information, contact:

Karl Yeh
Western Economic Diversification Canada
(604) 666-4714

Marc Black
B.C. Ministry of Community Services
(250) 356-6334