Several northern B.C. are getting a big boost from the federal government, financially speaking, to upgrade its infrastructure in the years to come.
Ottawa recently unveiled a $49.9-million investment via Infrastructure Canada for 24 projects earmarked for the region, including five within the Cariboo-Prince George riding.
The new Prince George pool, scheduled to start construction sometime this year, received $10 million through this announcement, which is said to be the largest city infrastructure investment in a decade.
Lheidli T’enneh First Nation was also included with more than $8.7 million in funding to help upgrade Ancient Forest/Chun T'oh Whudujut Provincial Park.
MP Todd Doherty calls the Canada Infrastructure Program ‘great news’ for the north-central region in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, applauding the teamwork of politicians to make this possible.
“Elected officials in our region take a team approach; working together across all levels of government to support our mutual constituents,” he said in a statement.
“Job number one for us is representing the interests of our constituents and our communities. These projects will have long term positive impacts in our region.”
On top of Canada’s contribution, the B.C. government is pooling in more than $15.4 million, while individual applicants are adding more than $11.5 million through the Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure and Rural and Northern Communities Infrastructure streams.
Doherty explains three First Nation communities within his riding are also receiving funds for ‘various initiatives,’ but believes more is needed when looking at the bigger picture.
“As our local economy begins to recover from the pandemic, we hope to see more investments in north central British Columbia announced in the weeks and months ahead,” the federal Conservative said.
“I look forward to continuing to work with all elected officials to make more announcements of this nature possible.”
Other projects consist of $1.3 million for the Vanderhoof Cultural Centre and $319,700 for the Robson Valley Recreation Centre in McBride.
