Gas Tax Fund: Delivering Results for Canadians – British Columbia

On April 1st, 2009, the federal Gas Tax Transfers to the provinces and territories to support better municipal infrastructure doubled to $2 billion annually. The Gas Tax Fund (GTF) will remain at that level beyond 2014, when the Government makes it a permanent measure, providing British Columbia municipalities with stable and predictable funding for their long-term infrastructure priorities.

The GTF is part of an ongoing commitment from the Government of Canada to create jobs and stimulate the economy through modern public infrastructure. It is also an example of all levels of government working together to improve infrastructure and the quality of life of Canadians.

The GTF makes capital investments in environmentally sustainable municipal infrastructure that improves water and air quality and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Eligible investments include water, wastewater and solid waste infrastructure, public transit, community energy systems, and local roads and bridges. The GTF combines predictable, long-term funding with local decision making and planning to enable municipalities to build and rehabilitate their core public infrastructure.

Gas Tax funding is provided nationwide and the money is allocated based on population. The Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) is party to the bilateral agreement and delivers the programs to British Columbia municipalities.

Results for British Columbians

The GTF is providing British Columbians with stable funding that will have a tangible impact on their quality of life and the long-term sustainability of their communities. The GTF has already provided funding towards various projects that support reducing GHG emissions and energy consumption. Improving public transit service is a high priority and the largest area of investment. Some examples include:

• The construction of new bus pullouts, bus shelters, lighting and construction of the Squamish Commuter Corridor trail in the Squamish Lillooet Regional District.
• Expansion and replacement of TransLink’s various fleets across Metro Vancouver.
• Development of a comprehensive transportation plan in the Sunshine Coast Regional District.
• Converting landfill gas to electricity through the Sechelt Landfill project in Sunshine Coast Regional District.

The following table is a breakdown of the Gas Tax Fund allocation to British Columbia between 2005-2014:

The following table is a breakdown of the Gas Tax fund allocation to British Columbia’s municipalities between 2008-2010:

*The communities of Barrier, Clearwater, Strathcona, and Westside are new recipients that will begin receiving funding in 2010.

For more information please visit: www.buildingcanada.gc.ca