Delta, British Columbia – Western Economic Diversification Canada

Twenty six communities across British Columbia will benefit from greater flood protection thanks to a joint investment by the Harper Government and the Province of British Columbia.

The investment, announced today by the Honourable Kerry-Lynne D. Findlay, P.C., Q.C., Member of Parliament for Delta–Richmond East and Minister of National Revenue, on behalf of the Honourable Michelle Rempel, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, and the Honourable Teresa Wat, Minister of International Trade and MLA for Richmond Centre, on behalf of Attorney General and Minister of Justice Suzanne Anton, will help protect families and communities' critical infrastructure, and support continued economic growth.

This joint investment of over $27 million is geared toward 26 flood mitigation projects which will help communities address existing flood concerns, and take proactive steps toward preventing flooding emergencies. Flood protection projects were selected from local government or dike authority applications that offered cost-effective solutions for areas at risk.

These investments are being delivered through two important programs. In 2008, the Government of Canada allocated $136 million from the Building Canada Fund Communities Component to support local government infrastructure projects in B.C. communities with a population of less than 100,000 people. Of this funding, $25 million was specifically allocated to accommodate disaster mitigation projects selected through the Provincial Flood Protection Program.

The Provincial-Territorial (PT) Base Fund is providing $175 million to British Columbia to address core infrastructure priorities. Under this program, a joint commitment of up to $46.6 million was identified for initiatives under the Flood Protection Program.

Quick Facts

• Under the Communities Component of the Building Canada Fund, federal and provincial governments provide up to two-thirds of the funding for eligible project costs, with local governments and diking authorities covering the remainder of project funding.
• Working together the federal, provincial and local governments have committed to 166 projects with a combined total value of more than $173 million to protect communities against flood hazards throughout British Columbia.
• Mitigation funds are assisting communities across B.C. by providing funding for new dikes, erosion protection, pump stations, flood boxes and other structures to better protect communities from flooding.

Quotes

"Our Government is committed to strengthening our communities and protecting Canadians. Through improvements like these, we are delivering on our commitment to provide greater safety for residents, as well as significant economic benefits for British Columbia."

- The Honourable Kerry-Lynne Findlay, Minister of National Revenue

 

"By working as partners, we are preventing the heartache, the disruption and the significant costs that come from flooding damages to homes, businesses and communities. These projects provide safety for the public and help protect the businesses and industries that provide jobs for British Columbians."

- Suzanne Anton, Attorney General and Minister of Justice

 

"By working as partners, we are preventing the heartache, the disruption and the significant costs that come from flooding damages to homes, businesses and communities. These projects provide safety for the public and help protect the businesses and industries that provide jobs for British Columbians."

- Suzanne Anton, Attorney General and Minister of Justice