PRINCE RUPERT – Prince Rupert has a new, more efficient boiler system at the Recreation Complex, and a new landfill leachate lagoon, thanks to federal Gas Tax funding. The City has received over $500,000 in funding towards these two projects, which were part of planned capital improvements in the 2020 budget.
“The City is grateful for the Gas Tax funds that we receive each year, which have contributed to countless infrastructure improvements throughout the community,” said Mayor Lee Brain.
“The Landfill Lagoon Project and boiler upgrades in Prince Rupert are great examples of community-led projects that will help build a stronger BC,” says Josie Osborne, Minister of Municipal Affairs. “Together with the federal government, the Province is proud to invest in community infrastructure that improves the services people expect and depend on.”
“The federal Gas Tax Fund is designed to meet the diverse needs of B.C. communities,” said Councillor Brian Frenkel, UBCM president. “By providing predictable, annual grants, local governments can direct the funds toward local priorities and have greater control over the timing of projects. I congratulate the City of Prince Rupert on the projects undertaken this year with the funding available through this program.”
The City’s existing landfill is nearing full capacity, with the recent expansion of the West Berm conducted to intake waste in the interim while a new cell is built. As part of that work, a leachate lagoon also began construction in 2020. Leachate, liquid produced from waste, is collected and settles in the pond, and is treated before it is discharged.
The new boiler system at the Recreation Complex, meanwhile, is a significant upgrade to the efficiency of the building. The Department anticipates an overall increase to efficiency of boiler operations by between 18 and 25 per cent for the facility.
The Federal Gas Tax Fund delivers funding to municipalities for local government infrastructure and capacity building projects throughout BC, and is administered by the Union of BC Municipalities.
City of Prince Rupert
