Infrastructure projects in Sechelt and Gibsons are now full steam ahead thanks to major grant funding from the provincial government.
The province is helping small, rural communities to address infrastructure priorities with an investment of $17.2 million through the Towns for Tomorrow program.
The Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) will receive $400,000, which will be used for a retrofit at the Sechelt Aquatic Centre. Although the centre is only a few years old, SCRD directors noted the need for upgrades after the building's energy use was designated as inefficient earlier this year.
"This is a great opportunity to move ahead in our efforts to achieve our goals under the Climate Action Charter," said board chair Garry Nohr. "The grant will allow the SCRD to reduce emissions considerably and to lower energy."
Additional funds needed for the centre's upgrades were already approved during the SCRD's budget process.
The Town of Gibsons will receive just over $300,000 to use towards their galvanized water main replacement project.
Gibsons director of engineering Dave Newman said that due to their age and level of deterioration leading to failure, galvanized water mains have been a source of problems for the Town.
"I am really pleased with this award, as it continues our efforts in water conservation," said Newman. "The installation of water meters has enabled us to track leaks in private services, which property owners must address. This galvanized water main replacement program that the grant will fund shows our residents that water conservation, leak detection and responsible care of infrastructure is a team effort."
Mayor Barry Janyk said he is ecstatic about the awarding of the grant and the province's recognition of the Town.
"I know it was difficult for the province to decide from the myriad worthy projects they surely received," Janyk said. "To have Gibsons once again recognized says a lot about our planning - and our future. This grant will take a real load off local taxpayers and we are grateful to the province for their positive consideration of this important public works project."
The Town will also be putting $65,000 from their budget towards the water main project.
