The federal and provincial governments are investing $2 million to upgrade and expand the Chetwynd and District Multi-purpose Complex, resulting in a larger, more energy-efficient building. The Honourable Jay Hill, Secretary of State, Chief Government Whip and
MP for Prince George – Peace River, and Blair Lekstrom, MLA for Peace River South and Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Development, announced the funding for the project from the Canada-B.C. Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (CBCMRIF) today.

“This community is growing rapidly and residents are in need of a larger multi-purpose facility,” said Mr. Hill, 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. “The existing facility is able to serve only a small percentage of residents – residents who can now look forward to better and more diverse services within this community.”

The funding will result in the renovation of 1,000 square-feet of existing space and the construction of a 7,000 square-foot addition to the Complex. The project will include energy-saving upgrades to fire protection, electrical and mechanical systems.

“This project demonstrates government’s commitment to its goal of becoming a world leader in sustainable environmental management,” said Lekstrom. “By investing in energy efficient facilities in communities such as Chetwynd, we are helping to build infrastructure that meets the needs of those who live there while at the same time making our communities greener, healthier places to live.”

The total amount available from the CBCMRIF, with federal and provincial investment and matching local government contribution in projects, is over $220 million. The majority of the 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 like tourism, recreation and other infrastructure. This project is conditionally approved pending the successful completion of an environmental assessment.

Further detail on the program is available through the Canada-British Columbia Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund website, at http://www.canadabcmrif.ca/.

For additional information, contact:

Tom Wakefield
Western Economic Diversification Canada
604 218-4395

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