NDP MLA Leonard says wastewater infrastructure upgrades will benefit people and environment in the Comox Valley
COURTENAY – New Democrat MLA Ronna-Rae Leonard says people will benefit from new and upgraded cleaner, more resilient wastewater infrastructure coming to the Comox Valley.
“Our wastewater treatment infrastructure in the Comox Valley needs to work with the local environment and for people in the community,” said Ronna-Rae Leonard, MLA for Courtenay-Comox. “This investment from the Province and Federal Government will mean our municipal wastewater infrastructure will work better and be more reliable and resilient to harsh weather in years to come.”
The Comox Valley Regional District is using over $13 million in funding ($8,455,267 received from the province, $1,346,855 from the federal government, and $3,565,016 of CVRD funds) for the construction of a new Courtenay Pump Station, upgrades to two other pump stations, and upgrades to an overland route from the Courtenay Pump Station to the Comox Valley Water Pollution Control Center.
This new and upgraded system will be less vulnerable to damage by storms, as well as seismic events and be designed to serve people for years into the future. The project will also include a site mural by a K’ómoks First Nation artist.
This funding and project was announced last week by Federal Minister Sean Fraser, Provincial Minister Bowinn Ma, and Regional District Sewage Commission Director Doug Hillian.
Over 101 infrastructure projects like these across B.C. have been supported through the Green Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP), which focusses on investing in projects that build climate change preparedness, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and/or support renewable technology. To date, more than $319.7 million provincially and $472.5 million federally have been contributed to these projects under this stream.