(Mark with Mayor Susan Johnston and MLA John Les)

Hope, British Columbia – The East Kawkawa Lake water system is about to receive a significant upgrade that will improve the quality of drinking water for residents in the District of Hope. The project is made possible thanks to a contribution of $450,000 from Canada's Gas Tax Fund.

"Our Government is proud to deliver permanent annual infrastructure funding for municipalities through Canada's Gas Tax Fund," said Mark Strahl, MP for Chilliwack-Fraser Canyon, on behalf of the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. "I am pleased to announce that this strategic infrastructure investment will improve the quality of drinking water in the District of Hope for years to come."

The project will upgrade an aging water main system that is vulnerable to contamination by burying water lines that currently sit at the bottom of drainage ditches. The project will also connect more residents to the District water system and a monitoring system will be installed to better gauge water use and identify potential leaks in the future. As well, replacing open ditches with culverts for runoff and wastewater will result in a healthier ecosystem through the reduction of harmful pollutants that can empty directly into Kawkawa Lake.

"A project like this is not only a major investment in our growing community," said Susan Johnston, Mayor of Hope, "but an investment in the quality of life for residents and the environment alike."

"Clean, safe drinking water is integral to a community's well-being, so this is an appropriate and practical application of Gas Tax funding," said Chilliwack MLA John Les. "The District should be commended for considering the current and long-term water needs of area families."

Canada's Gas Tax Fund provides stable, long-term funding to local governments and other organizations to help them build and revitalize public infrastructure. This Infrastructure Canada program primarily supports capital projects such as local roads, public transit, energy systems and waste management infrastructure that lead to cleaner air, cleaner water or reduced greenhouse gas emissions. The Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) administers the Gas Tax Fund in BC in collaboration with Canada and British Columbia. On December 15, 2011, the Government of Canada passed legislation to make the Gas Tax Fund a permanent annual investment of $2 billion.

"Water system upgrades are a challenge to fund in areas with a small property tax base," said Heath Slee, President of UBCM. "UBCM appreciates the support that the federal Gas Tax Fund is providing to upgrade water systems in BC communities."

For further information on the Government of Canada's infrastructure investments in British Columbia, visit www.infrastructure.gc.ca. To learn more about Canada's Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.

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