New funding supports clean and cost-effective water treatment for residents of Selkirk
SELKIRK, MB, June 14, 2018 /CNW/ - Investing in green infrastructure helps Canada reduce its carbon footprint, create a clean-growth economy and increase our resilience against climate change. It also helps communities safeguard public health and protect their local environment.
The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and Vicki-May Hamm, President of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, today announced a $750,000 grant and $5 million loan through the Green Municipal Fund for a new wastewater treatment plant in Selkirk.
The new plant will use an innovative biological treatment process that will significantly reduce the level of pollutants in water returned to the Red River and Lake Winnipeg. It will also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 159 tonnes annually, improving air quality over the long term.
This work is being undertaken to replace Selkirk's aging wastewater infrastructure and support its climate change and sustainability action plans. It will bring the City into compliance with provincial wastewater treatment regulations and make municipal asset management more efficient and economic.
Quotes
"The Government of Canada is pleased to be partnering with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities to support green infrastructure projects like this new wastewater treatment plant in Selkirk. This project will combine more efficient operations with a better treatment process to bring residents cleaner air and waterways while promoting sustainable economic growth and a strong middle class."
The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
"Advancing innovative, sustainable solutions to environmental challenges is important as we move toward a low-carbon economy. We are proud to support projects like the wastewater treatment plant in Selkirk that help improve water and air quality in their communities, contributing to Canada's overall climate goals."
The Honourable Jim Carr, Minister of Natural Resources
"FCM is proud to help communities like the City of Selkirk lead the way on the triple bottom line — environmental, social and economic sustainability. Projects like these have a tangible impact on both the environment and the lives of local residents. At the same time, this is the kind of local innovation that can inspire other communities on the path to a greener Canada."
Vicki-May Hamm, FCM President
Quick facts
- The Green Municipal Fund (GMF) is a $625-million program offered by the Government of Canada and delivered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.
- GMF supports innovative solutions to environmental challenges, funding projects that improve air, water and land quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and generate economic and social benefits for local communities.
- Through GMF, municipalities also share lessons learned and successful new models for advancing sustainability in communities of all sizes across Canada.
- Through the Investing in Canada plan, the Government of Canada will invest 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.
- $26.9 billion of this funding will support green infrastructure projects, including $5 billion available for investment through the Canada Infrastructure Bank.
Associated links
Green Municipal Fund: https://fcm.ca/home/programs/green-municipal-fund/about-gmf.htm
FCM Funding: https://fcm.ca/home/funding/funding-for-canadian-municipalities.htm
Government of Canada's $180-billion+ Investing in Canada plan: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/about-invest-apropos-eng.html
Investing in Canada plan project map: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/gmap-gcarte/index-eng.html
Twitter: @INFC_eng
Web: Infrastructure Canada
SOURCE Infrastructure Canada
Kate Monfette, Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, 613-301-0894, [email protected]; FCM Media Relations, 613-907-6395, [email protected]; Infrastructure Canada, 613-960-9251, Toll free: 1-877-250-7154, Email: [email protected]; Natural Resources Canada, Media Relations, 343-292-6100
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