Federal Funding For FVRD Infrastructure Projects

August 11, 2021

The Fraser Valley Regional District (FVRD) Board of Directors are pleased to recognize the federal government’s contribution of $476,519 to projects in the region in 2020 through the federal Gas Tax Fund, recently renamed the Canada Community Building Fund (CCBF).  

The infrastructure-related projects ranged from the construction of a new transfer station for Hemlock Valley, improvements to wastewater systems in the electoral areas, and a strategy to improve rural broadband connectivity.

Hemlock Valley Transfer Station in Electoral Area C

The Union of BC Municipalities administers the CCBF in British Columbia in partnership with the Government of Canada and the province of British Columbia. The funding allowed the FVRD to undertake beneficial projects including:

  • Hemlock Valley Transfer Station – A new transfer station was completed for Hemlock Valley located in Electoral Area C. The new site accepts garbage, recycling, and organic food scraps and has a site office and a transfer station attendant. The project was supported by a CCBF contribution of $216,060.

  • Baker Trails Wastewater System Project – A three-month project in Chilliwack River Valley in Electoral Area E was conducted to replace and increase the size of the blower and pump in the wastewater system. The upgrades allowed the system to achieve class A status and meet the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change regulations. The project was supported by a CCBF contribution of $32,919.

  • Deroche/Lakahalem Water System Study – A feasibility study was conducted to look at the potential of connecting Leq’á:mel First Nation’s Lakahamen Indian Reserve 11 to the FVRD’s nearby Deroche water system. The project was supported by a CCBF contribution of $32,800.

  • FVRD Rural Broadband Strategy – The project was intended to assess broadband internet connectivity in the region’s rural areas, provide a rationale for improving connectivity, develop a list of potential project areas, and identify the next steps for moving forward. The strategy provides a roadmap for improving high-speed internet connectivity in rural electoral areas. The project was supported by a CCBF contribution of $34,240.

  • Popkum Wastewater Odor Control Project – A three-month project was conducted/undertaken to install an odor control unit and dissolved oxygen probe for the wastewater system in Popkum community, Electoral Area D. The works were in response to neighbourhood concerns about odor from the wastewater system and included fencing. The project was supported by a CCBF contribution of $81,252. 

Quotes:

Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities:

 “The Canada Community-Building Fund has contributed to a wide range of infrastructure projects throughout the Fraser Valley Region. From wastewater and odor control, to an all-new transfer station and broadband strategy, the CCBF is helping sustain our local economies, improve quality of life, and address pressing community needs. Our vision for the future of infrastructure in Canada is to invest in thousands of projects, create jobs across the country, and build cleaner, more inclusive communities.”

Kelli Paddon, MLA for Chilliwack-Kent on behalf of Josie Osborne, Minister of Municipal Affairs:
“People in the Fraser Valley Regional District will benefit from these community-led projects that help construct key infrastructure, enhance wastewater systems and improve connectivity in rural areas – creating safer, healthier and more connected communities “We are proud to partner with Canada and the Union of British Columbia Municipalities to invest in projects like these that make life better for people and the environment.”

Jason Lum, Chair of the Fraser Valley Regional District:
“The Fraser Valley Regional District would like to thank the Government of Canada for their ongoing funding support for infrastructure and capacity building projects within the Regional District.”