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A federal and provincial investment of more than $850,000 will improve drinking water for Saturna Island residents and visitors. The funding is provided through the Canada-B.C. Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (CBCMRIF), which enables communities across B.C. to become healthier, greener and more sustainable places to live.

The announcement was made today by The Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for Saanich-Gulf Islands, and The Honourable Murray Coell, MLA for Saanich North and the Islands and Minister of Advanced Education.

“This investment will deliver clean drinking water to Saturna Island residents and visitors, and will provide sufficient reserves to ensure a constant water supply on the island throughout the year,” said Minister Lunn, 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 Government of Canada is proud to support key infrastructure projects that improve the quality of life for residents on Saturna Island.”

The funding will support upgrades to Lyall Harbour and Boot Cove’s water treatment system, and benefit 170 households and thousands of visiting ferry passengers. Completion of this project will enable BC Ferries to remove drinking water advisories posted at the ferry terminal’s facilities.

“Together we’re investing in a project that will greatly improve the health and wellbeing of this island community,” said MLA Coell. “Water quality upgrades are vital to the sustainability of all communities. I’m proud the Province is able to support this important infrastructure project for Saturna Island.”

“This partnership between Canada, the Province and the CRD Lyall Harbour Water Local Service will address long standing water supply issues the community has been facing for some years and will provide a more reliable water supply to those visiting the island and Gulf Islands National Park,” said Senator Pat Carney, Chair of the Lyall Harbour Water Local Service Commission.
 
Launched in June 2006, the majority of the CBCMRIF program funding supports communities of fewer than 250,000 people to minimize the costs to taxpayers of local infrastructure upgrades or new construction projects. 

At least 60 per cent of the funding will assist with “green projects”, and are geared towards enhancing environmental sustainability, such as water and wastewater systems, public transit, and environmental energy improvements. Other infrastructure projects will support local roads, cultural and recreational facilities, tourism, and broadband connectivity. Funding for this project is conditionally approved pending the successful completion of an environmental assessment.

The total amount available through the CBCMRIF, with federal and provincial investments and matching local government contribution, is over $220 million. More details on the program are available through the CBCMRIF website, at http://www.canadabcmrif.ca/.

For additional information, contact:

Jackie Stewart
Communications Advisor
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Vancouver, B.C.
Tel: 604 666-1306
Cell: (604) 671-9031

Marc Black
Communications Manager
B.C. Ministry of Community Services
Victoria, B.C.
Tel: (250) 356-6334