The District of Lantzville is receiving nearly $3.2 million in federal and provincial government funding to replace individual septic systems with a municipal sewer collection system, James Lunney, MP for Nanaimo-Alberni, and Ron Cantelon, MLA for Nanaimo-Parksville, announced today.

“This joint funding of nearly $3.2 million for the expansion of Lantzville’s sewer collection system will improve the quality of drinking water, reduce groundwater pollution and benefit over 225 households,” said Mr. Lunney on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, President of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification. “Through collaboration and partnership, the Canada-B.C. Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund is building a healthier and more prosperous community in Lantzville.”

This funding from the Canada-B.C. Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (CBCMRIF) will assist the District of Lantzville with constructing Phase 2 of a sanitary sewer collection system, improving sewage treatment in a densely developed area.

“Our government is committed to providing sustainable infrastructure that benefits our communities and our environment,” said Mr. Cantelon. “By partnering with the federal government and the District of Lantzville we are making this important local infrastructure improvement a reality.”

Under the initial CBCMRIF Agreement signed in June 2006, the federal and provincial governments each committed $51 million to the fund, with participating local governments expected to make up the remaining costs. This year, the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia have each provided an additional $23.5 million to the Canada-B.C. Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund as part of a commitment to help smaller communities meet their pressing infrastructure needs. This additional funding brings the total federal and provincial investment, and matching local government contribution in CBCMRIF projects, to over $220 million.

The majority of this funding is targeted towards communities of fewer than 250,000 people, and at least 60 per cent of the funding will assist with “green projects” such as drinking water supply, treatment and distribution needs, as well as wastewater and energy efficiency projects. The remaining funds will be dedicated to other projects such as tourism, recreation and other infrastructure.

More details on the program are available through the Canada-British Columbia Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund website, at www.th.gov.bc.ca/CBMRIF/index.htm.

For additional information, contact:

Tom Wakefield
Western Economic Diversification Canada
(604) 666-2445

Marc Black
B.C. Ministry of Community Services
(250) 356-6334