NDP MLAs say extensive funding will support great projects for people in the Tri-Cities
TRI-CITIES – New Democrat MLAs Rick Glumac, Selina Robinson, Mike Farnworth and Fin Donnelly say that say an historic investment of 37 million dollars for Tri-City Municipalities will enable the community to fund key projects, ensuring that people have services they can rely on as populations grow.
“My community has had significant housing starts in recent years,” says Rick Glumac, MLA for Port Moody-Coquitlam. “This new funding is an unprecedented opportunity to support this growth through record infrastructure investment and to make life better for the people of Port Moody, Coquitlam, Anmore, and Belcarra.”
As communities continue to grow, local governments are having to meet increased strain on infrastructure and amenities including roads, transit, water and electrical systems, as well as community centers, parks and social services. The Growing Communities Fund is a landmark investment that will see the BCNDP government distribute $1 billion across B.C.’s 188 municipalities and regional districts to support their unique needs.
“I’m proud our government is making such a bold investment in communities,” said Fin Donnelly, MLA for Coquitlam-Burke Mountain. “Supporting local governments will help ensure services, infrastructure, and community amenities are well-maintained for people now and into the future.”
Local governments are receiving the following:
- The City of Port Moody is receiving 6,734,000
- The City Port Coquitlam is receiving 9,462,000
- The City of Coquitlam is receiving 18,635,000
- The Village of Belcarra is receiving 759,000
- The Village of Anmore is receiving 1,730,000
“The vibrant community of Port Coquitlam is growing, and so are our needs,” said Mike Farnworth, MLA for Port Coquitlam. “I am pleased to see funding for our local government and community infrastructure which will bring people together.”
This one-time fund supports the Union of BC Municipalities’ (UBCM) 2022 Resolution EB58, Improving Provincial Grant Process, and recommendation five of their 2021 report, Ensuring Local Government Financial Resiliency. The grants are intended to complement, rather than displace, existing infrastructure funding (like sewer, water, roads).
QUOTES
“Coquitlam is a growing city, and people count on services and infrastructure like pools, libraries and parks to enrich their lives and their community” said Selina Robinson, MLA for Coquitlam-Maillardville. “This funding will help our municipality address local infrastructure priorities so people can thrive here for years to come.”
Learn More: https://news.gov.bc.ca/28303