Modern and efficient infrastructure for safer, better quality drinking water for Abbotsford-Mission residents

MISSION, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Dec. 20, 2016) - Access to clean, reliable drinking water is critical to the health and prosperity of Canadians. That is why the governments of Canada and British Columbia are committed to investing in modern water infrastructure that not only meets the needs of communities, but supports the middle class, and ensures that Canada remains the best place in the world to live, work and raise a family.

Today Jati Sidhu, Member of Parliament for Mission - Matsqui - Fraser Canyon, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities; Marc Dalton, Member of the Legislative Assembly for Maple Ridge-Mission, on behalf of the Honourable Peter Fassbender, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development; and Darryl Plecas, Member of the Legislative Assembly for Abbotsford South, celebrated the official opening of the new Cannell Lake Water Treatment Plant.

The aging chlorination equipment has been replaced with a more modern, safe and efficient system which uses salt and electricity to create chlorine. As a result, workplace safety and plant efficiency has been improved. A new ultraviolet disinfection system was also added as an extra layer of protection to ensure the delivery of safe, higher quality drinking water to all residents for years to come. The new plant will be operational in the coming weeks.

Quotes

"The federal Gas Tax Fund enables communities in British Columbia to make informed decisions about their infrastructure investments, as they are best positioned to identify their specific needs. We are proud to have supported this project that will help ensure access to safe drinking water for all residents."

Jati Sidhu, Member of Parliament for Mission - Matsqui - Fraser Canyon, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

"Updated, efficient drinking water systems are an essential component in maintaining strong, successful communities. The upgrade to the City of Abbotsford and the District of Mission Cannell Lake Water Treatment Plant is a successful example of the partnership between all levels of government to provide a critical service through the federal Gas Tax Fund. The water treatment plant will go a long way to benefiting the residents of Abbotsford and District of Mission, now and in the future."

Marc Dalton, Member of Legislative Assembly for Maple Ridge-Mission

"This upgrade will take advantage of improved treatment technology to provide a safe, dependable source of drinking water for Abbotsford and Mission residents. UBCM appreciates the ongoing support the Government of Canada is providing for community infrastructure through the federal Gas Tax Fund."

Murry Krause, President, Union of B.C. Municipalities (UBCM)

"Investing in important community infrastructure is a top priority for City Council and we are thankful to the Government of Canada for providing the funding needed for these upgrades to our Cannell Lake Water Treatment station. By using the latest technology in UV disinfection, we are ensuring that our communities have access to safe, high quality drinking water for generations to come."

Henry Braun, Mayor, City of Abbotsford

"Our Council has made investing in infrastructure a priority for our term and we are pleased to see this important project completed thanks to funding provided by the Government of Canada through the federal Gas Tax Fund. This project improves the safety of our water and the safety of workers at the facility."

Randy Hawes, Mayor, District of Mission

Quick facts

• The Government of Canada contributed $3,078,000 to this project through the federal Gas Tax Fund. The District of Mission and the City of Abbotsford contributed $1,203,000. The total project cost is $4,281,000.
• The Government of Canada is providing over $265 million in 2016/17 in indexed funding for local government infrastructure projects across British Columbia through the federal Gas Tax Fund.
• The Union of BC Municipalities administers the federal Gas Tax Fund in British Columbia in partnership with the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia.
• The federal Gas Tax Fund provides Canadian municipalities with a permanent, predictable and indexed source of long-term funding.

Associated links

Government of Canada's $180-billion+ infrastructure plan: http://www.budget.gc.ca/fes-eea/2016/docs/themes/infrastructure-en.html.

Federal infrastructure investments in British Columbia: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/map-carte/bc-eng.html.

Federal Gas Tax Fund: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/gtf-fte-eng.html.

New Building Canada Plan: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/nbcp-npcc-eng.html.

Twitter: @INFC_eng

Web: Infrastructure Canada