James Lunney, MP for Nanaimo-Alberni, and Ron Cantelon, MLA for Nanaimo-Parksville, today announced that the federal and provincial governments are improving wastewater systems for residents in the District of North Cowichan by investing more than $3 million.

“Upgrades to the Chemainus and Crofton wastewater treatment facilities will connect an additional 445 households to the municipal system and ensure a reliable wastewater system for approximately 4,150 residents in the community,"said MP James Lunney 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 make lasting improvements to the infrastructure of North Cowichan. We are delivering on our promise to help communities become vibrant and productive places to live, work and raise families.”

The Canada-B.C. Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (CBCMRIF) investment will improve wastewater treatment capabilities and increase treatment capacity at both existing water treatment facilities. In addition, the biosolids produced from the treatment process will be used for composting. The funding for this project is conditionally approved pending the successful completion of an environmental assessment.

“By funding this project, we’re taking another important step toward B.C.’s goal of leading the world in sustainable environmental management,” said Cantelon. “We are pleased to partner with the federal government and North Cowichan District to make this a greener, healthier community for residents. Over the course of the past two months, we have delivered more than $7.7 million in MRIF funds to communities such as Lantzville, Comox and Gold River.”

The total amount available from the CBCMRIF, with federal and provincial investment and matching local government contribution in projects, is 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 infrastructure.

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

Note: This web version of the news release was amended after its release December 7th for accuracy.  The first and second paragraphs were amended to include "improving wastewater systems."

For additional information, contact:

Karl Yeh
Western Economic Diversification Canada
604 666-4714

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