The governments of Canada and British Columbia have announced new infrastructure investments for Lower Mainland communities.
Funding for 21 projects in the Lower Mainland under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Plan will support economic recovery due to the COVID-19 pandemic by getting projects underway and meeting communities’ needs as they restart their economies.
Through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Plan, the Government of Canada 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.
In North Delta, the funding will support a new track facility featuring an eight-lane track with a synthetic surface, and an infield made of natural turf. The new venue will also include field lighting, bleachers, additional parking as well as multi-purpose outdoor courts. This community-focused facility will open up new opportunities for residents to stay healthy, come together, train local athletes, and host athletic events.
In the District of Squamish, a new sea dyke will be built in Xwu’nekw Park on the Mamquam Blind Channel to address increasing flooding due to rising sea levels. This will help keep people’s homes safe, protect local businesses, and preserve other essential infrastructure communities rely on daily. The work also includes enhancing the site with a new walkway, landscaping, lighting, trees and benches.
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 investing more than $44.5 million, the Government of British Columbia is contributing over $19.2 million, and the applicants (municipalities, Indigenous communities and not-for-profits) are contributing more than $22.3 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 $19.4 million of the federal and provincial funding is going to nine projects in Indigenous communities.
