Canada and British Columbia invest in 57 infrastructure projects across the province to create inclusive, resilient communities

RICHMOND, BC, April 11, 2022 /CNW/ - Investments in local infrastructure projects help build inclusive, resilient communities. They create good jobs and business opportunities, address some of the gaps highlighted by the pandemic, and support local climate-related initiatives.

Today, the Honourable Joyce Murray, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities, and the Honourable Nathan Cullen, British Columbia's Minister of Municipal Affairs, announced more than $110.3 million in joint federal-provincial funding for 57 community, recreation, and green infrastructure projects across British Columbia.

Among communities benefitting from the investments announced today, the City of Richmond will see the former Minoru Place Activity Centre repurposed into an inclusive community arts facility. The new facility will increase arts programming for residents of all ages with the construction of two dance studios, a pottery studio, a media arts studio, and multipurpose program rooms.

Funding will also support 13 Indigenous-led projects in British Columbia.                                        

Notably, the Doig River First Nations will construct a new cultural education building to accommodate in-person and virtual learning. The First Nations of the McLeod Lake Indian Band will build a community centre featuring a lobby with cultural displays, a gym, fitness room, multi-purpose rooms, and outdoor gathering spaces.

Other communities in the province will benefit from new or upgraded community halls, arts centres, arenas, pools, play structures, parks, community gardens, as well as improved water treatment systems. A few projects will also construct or enhance active transportation options, including the pedestrian and cycling overpass that will connect the Galloping Goose regional trail to the Island Highway in Colwood.  

The Government of Canada is investing more than $56.8 million in these 57 projects through the Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure, Rural and Northern Infrastructure, and Green Infrastructure streams of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. The Government of British Columbia is contributing $53.4 million, and contributions from project recipients total $27.1 million.

Quotes

"Accessible spaces that allow community members to gather, learn and express their creativity help reduce social isolation and promote inclusivity.  Our government is happy that British Columbia is partnering with us to invest in social and green infrastructure projects that will make a meaningful difference in the lives of thousands of British Columbians."

The Honourable Joyce Murray, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard and MP for Vancouver Quadra, on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities

"By investing in accessible community infrastructure, we're ensuring British Columbians in every corner of the province benefit from vibrant, well-connected communities. Projects like the Minoru Place Arts Centre in Richmond and District of Kent Aquatic Centre will improve people's health and well-being through improved access to culture and recreation, helping us build even stronger communities."

Nathan Cullen, MLA for Stikine and Minister of Municipal Affairs

"Richmond has a proud and vibrant arts community.  This grant from the Canada Infrastructure Program helps the City to continue to build capacity and create a lasting legacy. When complete, the Richmond Cultural Centre Annex will house more than 16,000 square feet of purpose-built shared arts program space to serve community needs and accommodate community arts groups."

Malcolm Brodie, Mayor of Richmond

Quick facts

• Federal funding is conditional on meeting all requirements related to consultation with Indigenous groups.
• Through the Investing in Canada Plan, the federal government is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada's rural and northern communities.
• Over the last six years, $4,974,011,395 in federal funding has been approved for 801 infrastructure projects in British Columbia, including the 57 featured today. 
• Infrastructure Canada helps address complex challenges that Canadians face every day—ranging from the rapid growth of our cities, to climate change, and environmental threats to our water and land.

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Backgrounder: Canada and British Columbia invest in 57 infrastructure projects across the province to create inclusive, resilient communities

Backgrounder

Canada and British Columbia invest in 57 infrastructure projects across the province to create inclusive, resilient communities

Joint federal, provincial, and municipal funding through the Investing in Canada plan will support 57 projects across British Columbia. Projects include new and upgraded community, cultural, and recreational spaces, active transportation infrastructure, and wastewater and stormwater infrastructure.

The Government of Canada is investing over $56.8 million towards these projects through the Community Culture, and Recreation Infrastructure Stream, the Green Infrastructure Stream, and the Rural and Northern Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. The Government of British Columbia is contributing over $53.4 million. Recipients are contributing over $27.1 million to these projects.

Project Information:
Community, Culture, and Recreation Infrastructure Stream

Location	Project Name	Project Details	Federal Funding	Provincial Funding	First Nation/ Municipal/ Other Funding
Anmore	Anmore Community Hub	Construct a new community centre including a large, divisible, multi-purpose space, several smaller multi-purpose rooms, and other amenities	$1,022,774	$1,477,227	$909,246
Castlegar	Millennium Park Phase 3	Install a castle play structure and create an accessible gravel walking trail around Millennium Park	$654,400	$545,279	$436,321
Central Saanich	Centennial Park Multi Use Sport Box Project	Replace an old lacrosse box with a multi-use, covered, all-weather sport box facility including new boards, benches, lighting, and other amenities	$823,500	$1,189,409	$732,091
Columbia Shuswap, Regional District	Eagle Bay Community Park	Construct a park in Eagle Bay with a playground, outdoor fitness equipment, multipurpose sport courts, picnic shelter, and other related work	$191,947	$159,940	$127,982
Cowichan Valley, Regional District	Cowichan Performing Arts Centre Expansion	Upgrade the Performing Arts Centre, including a convertible orchestra pit for extra seating, a new concession and lounge area, expanded public washrooms, and other accessibility features	$362,000	$301,637	$241,363
Elkford	Elkford Community Hub	Rehabilitate the old municipal office into a multi-use community space, including rentable office space, flex-space, and programming spaces	$224,000	$186,648	$149,352
Golden	Mount 7 Rec Plex Gym Floor Renewal	Replace the gymnasium's hardwood floor and install a new spring system and new sport lines	$103,360	$86,125	$68,915
Kent	District of Kent Aquatic Centre	Replace the seasonal outdoor pool in Agassiz with a new year-round indoor aquatic facility with a 6-lane pool, leisure, and whirl pools, sauna, and other amenities	$454,112	$9,545,888	$3,636,983
Kimberley	Kimberley Nordic Club Kiosk Upgrade	Build a permanent welcome centre at the Kimberley Nordic Club, complete with support services and equipment rentals	$94,634	$59,146	$82,805
Kitselas First Nation	Kitselas Community Recreation Centre*	Construct a two-storey community recreation centre near Terrace, including a theatre, multi-purpose rooms, fitness room, gym, and commercial kitchen	$3,900,000	$0	$1,300,000
Logan Lake	Logan Lake Recreation Centre Ice Plant Replacement	Replace the ice plant in the Logan Lake Arena with a more efficient model and perform related electrical work	$279,751	$730,830	$376,547
McLeod Lake Indian Band First Nation	McLeod Lake Indian Band Community Centre	Construct a new community centre including a gym, fitness room, multi-purpose rooms, lobby with cultural display, outdoor gathering spaces, and other amenities	$3,063,525	$0	$1,021,175
Nadleh Whut'en First Nation	Nadleh Whut'en Community Skating Rink*	Build an all-season outdoor recreational facility that will be used as a floor hockey arena, basketball court, and mini-soccer fields in the summer and an ice rink in the winter	$3,548,447	$0	$1,182,816
Nak'azdli Whut'en First Nation	Multigenerational Multi-Use Park: Skatepark and Multi-Use Ball Park*	Construct an "all wheels access" skatepark with assistive technology for wheelchair motocross riders, individuals with low or impaired vision, and aid-assisted riders	$562,500	$0	$187,500
Nanaimo, City of	Artificial Turf Field at Harewood Centennial Park	Install two synthetic turf fields, field lights, and covered areas for spectators and players at Harewood Centennial Park	$750,737	$2,528,091	$1,192,504
Port Moody	Inlet Park Sports Field Redevelopment	Replace the existing field with a new all-weather artificial turf surface, install related field equipment, two playgrounds, a walking path, and associated environmental enhancements	$206,415	$4,339,052	$1,653,178
qathet, regional district	Lund Community Centre Expansion/Upgrade	Construct an approximately 6,900 square foot addition to the Lund Community Centre including a half court gym and a stage with seating and upgrade the kitchen	$849,625	$3,349,457	$1,527,200
Quesnel	West Fraser Timber Park Trails*	Perform upgrades to approximately 2.6 km of trail in the West Fraser Timber Park trail network, including realignments and installation of point of interest markers and signage	$109,135	$90,937	$72,766
Richmond	Minoru Place Activity Centre Conversion to Arts Centre	Convert an existing building into a community arts facility with art and dance studios and other multi-purpose program rooms	$133,000	$2,110,898	$816,102
Saanich	Rutledge Park Playground, Splash Pad & Washroom	Upgrade Rutledge Park and playground and build a new splash pad, washrooms, and change facilities	$370,650	$535,342	$329,508
Stewart	Stewart Community Hall	Build an approximately 9,500 square foot, one level, accessible community hall, including flex space, a commercial kitchen, and public washrooms	$199,452	$1,263,127	$531,937
Lower Stl'atl'imx	Lower Stl'atl'imx Outdoor Recreation Improvement	Install three new outdoor multi-sport courts in three Stl'atl'imx Nation communities including court fencing and associated equipment like netting	$111,160	$0	$37,053
Stz'uminus First Nation	Long House Renovation and Expansion*	Upgrade the Long House and replace the kitchen and dining hall with a new Cultural Hall, separate from the building	$3,075,000	$0	$1,025,000
Summerland	Giant's Head Mountain Trails Project Phases 3 & 4*	Complete trail redevelopment in Giant's Head Mountain, including construction of trails, public washroom, crib steps on steep trail sections for environmental protection, new signage, split-rail fencing, park road improvements, and fire hazard remediation work	$673,113	$560,871	$448,798
Sunshine Valley	Celebration Park	Build an outdoor recreational space including a learning playground, splash pad that will double as an ice rink in the winter, gazebo, landscaping, and other amenities	$125,712	$78,570	$109,999
Vancouver	Downtown Eastside Neighbourhood House Society- Interior Renovation	Renovate and expand the Downtown Eastside Neighbourhood House to include an industrial kitchen and rooms for programming and storage	$259,921	$162,451	$227,431
Vancouver	B.C. Artscape Society - 825 Pacific: Affordable Space for Cultural Production	Complete interior construction of a building 221A Artist Run Centre including studio space for cultural organizations and artistic practices	$569,200	$355,750	$498,050
Vernon	Lakeview Wading Pool Revitalization	Construct a new splash pad, wading pool with zero-depth entry, and amenity building to replace the "Peanut Pool"	$772,225	$1,115,351	$686,508
Victoria	Topaz Park Artificial Turf Field	Realign and replace the existing turf field at Topaz Park, add an artificial turf practice field, install bleachers, covered shelters for players, pedestrian routes, and other amenities	$941,460	$1,458,541	$872,877
Whistler	Geosite Infrastructure & Interpretation	Improve the Whistler Global Geological site (Geosite) park through new viewing platforms and interpretive signage for four sites of global geological significance, new trails, and increased parking spaces	$614,000	$511,615	$409,385
Xeni Gwet'in First Nation	Xeni Gwet'in Community Centre*	Construct a community care centre in the Nemaiah Valley, including a gathering space, meeting rooms, kitchen, solar farm, and other amenities	$4,166,250	$833,250	$555,500
Yunesit'in Government First Nation	Arena Roof and Changeroom*	Add a roof structure over the outdoor rink and build changerooms, washrooms, and bleachers in the rink area	$300,000	$0	$100,000

*For projects marked by an asterisk, federal funding is conditional on fulfilling all requirements related to consultation with Indigenous groups and environmental assessment.

Green Infrastructure Stream

Location	Project Name	Project Details	Federal Funding	Provincial Funding	First Nation/ Municipal/ Other Funding
Colwood	Galloping Goose Overpass	Connect the Galloping Goose Trail through the construction of a pedestrian and cycling overpass crossing the Island Highway	$1,997,200	$1,664,167	$1,331,633
Langley, Township of	Yorkson Lowlands Stormwater Management and Ecological Restoration*	Construct a series of stormwater management wetlands, remove existing stormwater infrastructure, install an access trail and signage, and revegetate the area with native plant species	$692,744	$577,228	$461,888
Port Alberni	Connect the Quays Multi-Modal Pathway*	Construct a 3.5km multi-modal asphalt pathway connecting the Victoria Quay to Harbour Quay	$962,220	$1,539,433	$909,847
Vancouver (Metro)	Widgeon Marsh Regional Park*	Establish a 10 km trail network, improve existing trails, decommission the Stewart Creek Road, and perform hydrotechnical and geotechnical risk abatement	$1,405,200	$1,170,883	$936,917

*For projects marked by an asterisk, federal funding is conditional on fulfilling all requirements related to consultation with Indigenous groups and environmental assessment.

Rural and Northern Communities Infrastructure Stream

Location	Project Name	Project Details	Federal Funding	Provincial Funding	First Nation/ Municipal/ Other Funding
100 Mile House	Horse Lake Road Bridge Replacement	Replace the timber Horse Lake Bridge with a two-lane steel and concrete bridge with a single sidewalk and bike path	$1,048,800	$699,200	$0
Alert Bay	Town Square Revitalization	Rehabilitate the town square, construct a redesigned hard surface plaza space, and a pedestrian corridor, and complete work on a sea wall	$787,304	$524,869	$0
Columbia Shuswap Regional District	Loftus Lake Fen Universal Trail*	Construct 1.34km of universal accessible trail in a park adjacent to Loftus Lake Fen	$31,500	$108,000	$15,500
Doig River First Nation	Tsaa? che ne Dane Cultural Education Centre	Construct an accessible cultural education building that can accommodate in-person and distance learning	$1,753,125	$0	$584,375
Enderby	Outdoor Pool	Replace an existing pool with a new facility, including a 5-lane lap pool, leisure pool with zero-entry access, lazy river, hot tub and other amenities	$2,000,000	$3,000,000	$0
Fernie	Skatepark Redevelopment	Replace the skate park with a modern all-wheel park with accessible viewing areas, a water station, pathway connections, and a parking lot	$712,540	$570,032	$142,508
Fort St. James	Fort Forum Arena Revitalization	Retrofit the Fort Forum Arena including accessibility and operational enhancements	$1,199,760	$1,799,640	$0
Hazelton	River Road Active Transportation Upgrades and Road Works	Reconstruct approximately 500m of River Road, construct a bike lane and new sidewalk, and rehabilitate stormwater infrastructure	$784,724	$1,177,087	$0
Houston	Dze L K'ant Friendship Centre Society: New Facility Project	Replace the Friendship Centre with a new accessible facility, including a community kitchen, playground, and storage	$3,430,389	$1,143,463	$0
Kimberley	Centre 64 Arts Centre Roof and Truss Upgrades	Replace the roof structure of Centre 64 to protect theatre seating, artwork in the community and cultural space, and the building itself	$205,550	$164,440	$41,110
Kootenay Boundary Regional District	Christina Lake Water System Upgrades	Perform various treatment upgrades to the Christina Lake Water System such as the construction and installation of new pipes, disinfecting systems, and connections to the existing structures	$1,068,330	$712,220	$0
Nanaimo	Whiskey Creek Water Supply Upgrade	Construct a transmission main, install new distribution pumps, and a back-up generator, and perform related civil, mechanical and electrical works to Whiskey Creek's water supply	$372,400	$558,600	$0
Pemberton	Regional Multi-Modal Transportation Hub	Develop a multi-modal transportation hub including charging receptacles, parking lot, covered bike storage, appropriate signage, and other amenities	$742,688	$1,114,033	$0
Salt Spring Island	Grow Together	Expand two community gardens with new raised beds, an orchard, and a traditional perennial food garden, and install irrigation and filtration systems	$31,000	$15,500	$15,500
Shawinigan Lake	Shawnigan Lake Historical Society - The Expansion of the Shawnigan Lake Museum	Expand the Shawnigan Lake Museum including gallery space, archival and research space, kitchen, and multi-purpose rooms	$718,602	$359,301	$359,301
Skuppah Indian Band	Skuppah Indian Band Food Security Centre*	Construct a Food Security Centre with kitchen, food storage, indoor and outdoor preparation areas, and space to accommodate traditional food preparation training and practice	$2,086,387	$0	$695,463
Sunshine Coast	Sunshine Coast - Woodcreek Park Wastewater Treatment Plant System Upgrade	Repair, reconfigure, and replace piping, tanks, and other systems and equipment pertinent to the Woodcreek Park Wastewater Treatment Plant	$461,400	$307,600	$0
Tahsis	Community Pier and Dock*	Construct a new multi-purpose community pier and dock that can accommodate both marine and air crafts	$1,176,419	$1,299,128	$0
Terrace	Eby Street Staircase Construction	Construct an all-season staircase with a bike rail to connect upper and lower Terrace	$360,725	$288,580	$72,146
T'exelcemc First Nation	Williams Lake First Nation Community Playground*	Rehabilitate the playground, replace gravel with a rubberized surface, and install ramps	$191,477	$0	$63,826
Tla'amin Nation	¿¿ms ¿ay¿ (Our House) – Cultural Facility*	Build a cultural centre including a community kitchen and indoor and outdoor traditional cooking areas, museum space, smokehouse, playground, food and medicine gardens, pathways, bike trails, and a parking lot	$3,159,508	$1,053,169	$0

*For projects marked by an asterisk, federal funding is conditional on fulfilling all requirements related to consultation with Indigenous groups and environmental assessment.

Associated links

Federal infrastructure investments in British Columbia
https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/prog-proj-bc-eng.html

Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program in British Columbia
www.gov.bc.ca/Investing-in-Canada-Infrastructure-Program

Community, Culture and Recreational Infrastructure, Rural and Northern Infrastructure, and Green Infrastructure streams —three ICIP Components of IICP
https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/icp-pic-INFC-eng.html

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Contacts: Jean-Sébastien Comeau Press Secretary and Communications Advisor, Office of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities, 343-574-8116, [email protected]; Alanah Connie, Senior Public Affairs Officer, B.C. Ministry of Municipal Affairs, 236-478-3459, [email protected]; Media Relations: Infrastructure Canada, 613-960-9251, Toll free: 1-877-250-7154, Email: [email protected]