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$3.8M In funding

Water system upgrades in Spallumcheen supported by feds & province

Mar 22, 2024 | 3:15 PM

The Canadian and B.C. governments are providing financial aid to the Township of Spallumcheen’s water system improvements.

Phase 2 of the township’s water system conversions and infrastructure improvements project is receiving $2,104,000 from the federal government through the Green Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, as well as $1,753,158 from the province.

The municipality is also spending $1,402,842 on the project.

In a news release, the township stated a long-term water strategy had been adopted, which identified projects that would improve delivering water services to residents, including the water system conversions and infrastructure improvements project.

“Spallumcheen council is committed to providing a safe, reliable and secure supply of water for residents and this funding is a key step in helping us achieve this goal,” acting mayor Joe Van Tienhoven stated.

“Water is so central to everything we do, and this funding announcement is a vote of confidence from the province and the federal government about the work our council is doing to help ensure we are planning for the long-term water needs of our community.”

A timeline for the project was not disclosed.

The federal funding is conditional on fulfilling all Indigenous consultation and environmental assessment requirements.

The local funds are part of a $41.2 million federal investment and $31.6 million in provincial aid to support 14 drinking water and wastewater projects in B.C.

“On World Water Day (March 22), we reflect on the significance of access to clean and safe water supply and sustainable water treatment management,” Harjit Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness, said.

“To support healthy communities and protect ecosystems, we must prioritize upgrades and maintenance of clean drinking water facilities and wastewater treatment systems. With funding allocated to 14 municipalities across B.C., efforts are underway to strengthen and expand their water systems. These initiatives aim to establish essential infrastructure, enabling British Columbians to meet their basic needs and empowering communities to tackle water-related challenges for generations to come.”

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