Mayors join finance minister to discuss, share feedback on landmark tax

Federal and provincial governments invest in sewer system transformation for Oak Bay

February 15, 2024 at 3:15 pm  BC, News, Politics, Provincial

From Infrastructure Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/office-infrastructure/news/2024/02/federal-and-provincial-governments-invest-in-sewer-system-transformation-for-oak-bay.html

Stormwater and wastewater infrastructure in Oak Bay will undergo significant upgrades thanks to a combined investment of more than $8.8 million from the federal and provincial governments along with the District of Oak Bay.

Announced by Minister Sean Fraser, Minister Anne Kang, and Mayor Kevin Murdoch, this project will transform the sewer system in Oak Bay.

Funding will improve both stormwater and wastewater management by separating the existing combined sewer system in the Uplands neighbourhood of the district. During heavy rainfall, combined systems are susceptible to overflow, causing effluent to be discharged into local bodies of water. While most contaminants are filtered out before the untreated water is reintroduced into the environment, overflows can still have a negative impact. Constructing new storm sewers and outfalls will allow the current system to be used exclusively as a wastewater sewer, helping to safeguard the community from flooding and the environment from possible adverse effects.

Investing in local stormwater and wastewater systems is key to improving people’s quality of life, protecting waterways, and positioning communities for growth.

By continuing to work closely with its partners across Canada, the federal government is ensuring that Canadians have access to reliable, modern services that build a sustainable future for all, while limiting impacts on the local environment.

Quotes

“As a long-time champion of green technology, I recognize the importance of investing in systems that reduce our impact on the environment that we inhabit. Separating Oak Bay’s combined sewer system is key to better stormwater and wastewater management, that in turn safeguards local infrastructure, waterways, and ecosystems. We will continue to work with our partners across the country to support projects that guarantee a safer, cleaner future for all.”

The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

“Oak Bay is one of B.C.’s many beautiful coastal communities. That’s why we’re helping ensure people in these communities have sustainable stormwater and wastewater management services for years to come. We are proud to work with all orders of government on projects that help keep our water clean, look after the environment, and make sure people and the ecosystem stay safe and healthy.”

The Honourable Anne Kang, B.C. Minister of Municipal Affairs

“Infrastructure is the backbone of a community, and while not always seen, it serves a vital role in livability. This investment from all three levels of government helps ensure that residents of Oak Bay and the wider region are better prepared for the impacts of climate changes and that our natural waterways and environment are protected.”

His Worship Kevin Murdoch, Mayor of the District of Oak Bay

Quick Facts

  • The federal government is investing $3,535,580 through the Green Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. The provincial government is investing $2,946,022 and the District of Oak Bay is contributing $2,357,349.
  • This stream helps build greener communities by contributing to climate change preparedness, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and supporting renewable technologies.
  • Including today’s announcement, nearly 100 infrastructure projects under the Green Infrastructure Stream have been announced in British Columbia, with a total federal contribution of more than $463.6 million and a total provincial contribution of nearly $305.1 million. 
  • Under the Investing in Canada Plan, the federal government 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.
  • Infrastructure Canada helps address complex challenges that Canadians face every day—ranging from the rapid growth of our cities, to climate change, to environmental threats to our water and land. 
  • Federal funding is conditional on fulfilling all requirements related to consultation with Indigenous groups.

Associated Links

Investing in Canada: Canada’s Long-Term Infrastructure Plan  

https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/icp-publication-pic-eng.html

Green Infrastructure Stream 

https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/gi-iv-eng.html

Federal infrastructure investments in British Columbia

https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/prog-proj-bc-eng.html

Strengthened Climate Plan

https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather/climatechange/climate-plan/climate-plan-overview.html

View the full article from the original source

No conversations yet

Activity Stream

Thu, Dec 5, 2024 at 8:00 am - David Suzuki posted on their blog: Industry hijacks global climate and biodiversity summits
Wed, Dec 4, 2024 at 9:00 am - Doug Smith posted on their blog: Hiking the Uplands Trails in Fall
Sat, Nov 30, 2024 at 9:00 am - Doug Smith posted on their blog: Low Iron – Triple Lumen Hike
Thu, Nov 28, 2024 at 8:00 am - David Suzuki posted on their blog: Do these politicians understand carbon?
Wed, Nov 27, 2024 at 3:04 pm - Kamloops Film Society posted on their blog: KFS Holiday Giving – Nov 2024 – The Kamloops Film Society
Tue, Nov 26, 2024 at 9:00 am - Doug Smith posted on their blog: Sugarloaf Hill Hike – KamloopsTrails
Fri, Nov 22, 2024 at 9:00 am - Doug Smith posted on their blog: A Fall Hike to Moul Falls
Thu, Nov 21, 2024 at 8:00 am - David Suzuki posted on their blog: Climate progress is unstoppable, despite U.S. election
Mon, Nov 18, 2024 at 9:00 am - Doug Smith posted on their blog: Dewdrop Ridge – Bluebird Trail Loop
Fri, Nov 15, 2024 at 9:00 am - Doug Smith posted on their blog: Upper Grasslands Track – KamloopsTrails
Full Stream

Upcoming Events

KAG: Presences
Thursday Sep 26 to Thursday Dec 19
KAG: Stories That Animate Us
Saturday Oct 5 to Saturday Dec 28
Adult 6 Week Mixed Media Workshop
Monday Nov 4 to Monday Dec 9
Winter at Privato
Sunday Nov 17 to Sunday Dec 22
WCT: Disney’s Beauty and the Beast
Thursday Nov 21 to Monday Dec 8
Meet Santa at Sahali Mall
Saturday Nov 30 to Monday Dec 23
Gingerbread House Competition 2024
Sunday Dec 1 to Tuesday Dec 24
Kamloops Comedy Open Mic
Wednesday Dec 4
All Events