Dawson Creek Gets Funding for Potable Water Reservoir

DAWSON CREEK, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - June 25, 2015) - Residents of Dawson Creek will benefit from new drinking water infrastructure thanks to joint funding from the governments of Canada and British Columbia through the Small Communities Fund.

This project involves the construction of a potable water reservoir and booster station. Once complete, this will ensure a clean, reliable potable water supply and improved water pressure that will be sufficient to meet anticipated current and future peak summer demand periods and the firefighting needs of the City of Dawson Creek.

The project announced today is among those recently approved in British Columbia that will collectively receive more than $42 million in joint federal-provincial funding under the Small Communities Fund. These projects represent important investments in municipal infrastructure that maintain safe, healthy communities. Once complete, the work will significantly improve key municipal services for residents and help boost regional development.

Through the Small Communities Fund, the governments of Canada and British Columbia are working in partnership to provide funding for priority public infrastructure projects that deliver on local needs in communities across the province that have fewer than 100,000 residents. These investments support job creation and economic growth, thus sustaining a high quality of life in small communities across British Columbia for years to come.

Quick Facts

• The Government of Canada will provide up to $1,666,666 through the Small Communities Fund for the project.
• The Province of British Columbia will contribute $1,666,666 to this project.
• Dawson Creek will be responsible for all remaining costs of the project.
• Of the 21 projects approved for funding in British Columbia so far, 11 are drinking water projects, 9 are wastewater projects, and 1 is a brownfield remediation project. Additional projects are under review and could also soon be approved.

Quotes

"We are proud to invest in projects like this new potable water reservoir in Dawson Creek that will benefit our community by improving much needed local infrastructure. Our Government's commitment to municipalities, big and small, has never been stronger. Through the New Building Canada Plan's Small Communities Fund, we are investing in priority infrastructure projects that have a positive and lasting impact on the quality of life of British Columbia's residents while helping create jobs and economic growth."

Bob Zimmer, Member of Parliament for Prince George - Peace River, On behalf of the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec

"This project is a great example of a partnership between local, federal, and provincial government and how improving infrastructure in communities across British Columbia continues to be a priority for this government. Our government is pleased to support this important drinking water project. Safe, dependable water for our community is something from which we can all benefit."

Mike Bernier, MLA for Peace River South

"The City of Dawson Creek is pleased to accept the joint funding for this important infrastructure project from the Province of British Columbia and the Government of Canada and wishes to thank both MLA Bernier and MP Zimmer for their support and assistance. The reservoir project is an important piece of the City's long term water security plan and will provide increased water storage capacity and water pressure to meet the needs arising from the ongoing and anticipated growth and development in the community. Quality, Sustainable Infrastructure and a Vibrant, Diversified Economy were two areas of focus identified in Council's strategic priorities for 2015 and this funding will greatly assist us to demonstrate our commitment to infrastructure and the economy."

Dale Bumstead, Mayor of Dawson Creek

Associated Links

To learn more about the Small Communities Fund, please visit http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/sc-cp-eng.html.

For additional information on the New Building Canada Plan, visit http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/nbcp-npcc-eng.html.

To learn more about the Government of Canada's focus on jobs and the economy consult Canada's Economic Action Plan at http://www.budget.gc.ca/2015/home-accueil-eng.html.

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