PORT ALBERNI & LADYSMITH – New investments in community infrastructure by the governments of Canada and British Columbia will benefit Island communities while also supporting economic recovery in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic by getting projects under way and meeting communities’ needs as they restart their economies.
These investments will play a key role in strengthening local economies, and helping ensure all British Columbians have access to the services and cultural networks they need to build resilient communities.
The Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities; the Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development; and the Honourable Scott Fraser, Member of Legislative Assembly for Mid Island-Pacific Rim, on behalf of the Honourable Selina Robinson, BC Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, announced funding for 22 projects on the Island under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Plan.
The Huu-ay-aht First Nations will build a new culture centre to provide the community with a language training room, a kitchen, dedicated areas for the production and the sale of arts and crafts, multi-purpose rooms, and washrooms. The facility will also have a multi-purpose field with bleachers for soccer and softball, and a presentation stage with stands for outdoor cultural events.
The Town of Ladysmith will build a new Arts and Heritage Hub at the site of the town’s historic machinery shop to showcase local culture and history, and highlight the town’s positive relationship with the Stz’uminus First Nation. This hub is part of a waterfront redevelopment plan to support community development and will provide space for art exhibitions, performances and special events.
Among the other projects receiving this funding are improvements to community centres, health centres, storm water management, drinking water and wastewater facilities, cultural facilities and social support hubs.
The Government of Canada is contributing more than $33.2 million, the Government of British Columbia is contributing over $8.7 million and the individual applicants are contributing more than $12.2 million to these projects through the Community, Culture, and Recreation Infrastructure Stream (CCRIS), and the Rural and Northern Communities Infrastructure Stream (RNIS) of the Investing in Canada Plan.
More than $23.2 million of the federal and provincial funding is going to eight projects in Indigenous communities.
Further announcements of infrastructure investments will follow in the coming months as Canada and British Columbia work together to support jobs, improve our communities, and safely and sustainably restore economic growth.
“In partnership with the federal government, we are investing in infrastructure that will strengthen communities here on the island and across BC. The construction of the Ahtaapq Creek Hydropower Project will support the Hesquiaht First Nation in their transition to cleaner energy sources and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. I’m also pleased to see funding going towards several community centres in my constituency. People need public spaces and services to support their health and well-being now more than ever,” said Honourable Scott Fraser, Member of Legislative Assembly for Mid Island-Pacific Rim, on behalf of the Honourable Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.