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Profiles of projects in British Columbia
- 100 Mile House
- Abbotsford
- Buick Creek
- Canal Flats
- Chetwynd
- Coldstream
- Courtenay
- Dawson Creek
- Fort Nelson
- Fraser-Fort George
- Langford
- Langley
- North Saanich
- North Vancouver
- Port Alice
- Pouce Coupe
- Princeton
- Squamish
- Tumbler Ridge
- Vancouver
- Victoria
- West Vancouver
- Williams Lake
Better Water Quality
Project location: 100 Mile House, British Columbia
Located in the South Cariboo region of the central interior of British Columbia, 100 Mile House residents and a growing number of tourists enjoy the year-round recreational benefits of the area's many lakes and wetlands that form part of the Fraser River watershed.
Recognizing the need to plan for future municipal growth and the increasing tourist trade, municipal leaders applied for $124,000 from the federal Infrastructure Stimulus Fund to ensure the continued reliability of the town's drinking water treatment facilities.
The District of 100 Mile House installed two ultraviolet disinfection units, relocated an existing water pump, and made necessary repairs and adjustments to the water treatment building.
Mayor Mitch Campsall points out that "without the vision and ongoing commitment to community renewal and economic stability being championed by the federal government" such infrastructure projects would not be possible for small communities to undertake. Now, nearly 2,000 residents of 100 Mile House and a growing number of tourists are assured of high-quality drinking water.
Federal contribution: $124,000
Greener Transportation
Project location: Abbotsford, British Columbia
When complete, Abbotsford's Discovery Trail will be a 35.5 kilometre, multi-purpose, all-season corridor, linking neighbourhoods and connecting existing facilities (schools, civic buildings, parks, churches, and commercial and natural areas) with each other. The goal is to promote active, healthy living and greener forms of transportation.
Designed to be completed in five sections, the opportunity to apply for funding under the federal Infrastructure Stimulus Fund was timely for the Town of Abbotsford. The third phase of the Trail's development, a six-kilometre section near Willband Creek was made possible through the $469,913 federal investment, matching provincial funding and a massive community fund-raising drive.
About three metres wide, the Discovery Trail provides Abbotsford families with a paved outdoor setting for walking, running, rollerblading and bicycling, and promotes healthier alternatives to automobile use. Accessible to all members of the community, the Trail includes grades to challenge all fitness levels, picnic and wildlife viewing areas, scenic ponds and forested vistas.
Mayor George W. Peary calls the Discovery Trail a very important project that will encourage fitness, reduce air pollution and create a unique identity for the town. "I'm proud to see a community project that inspires tremendous generosity and volunteer spirit. These trails are [...] a truly lasting legacy for our community."
Federal contribution: $469,913
New Interchange under Construction
Project location: Abbotsford, British Columbia
It was the highest transportation priority project for the City of Abbotsford: replacing the 50-year-old McCallum Road interchange over the Trans-Canada Highway with one that would meet the realities of today's traffic volumes and speeds. Congested on and off ramps, increased development in the area and traffic to key amenities along McCallum Road — a sports arena, hospital, and the airport — had created a high-accident zone.
The city, province and Government of Canada each contributed $8.3 million toward the project which will see longer deceleration lanes and changes to traffic patterns to ensure that peak volume traffic does not back up onto the highway. New sidewalks and bike lanes as well as a park-and-ride lot will also be constructed to promote public transit and alternative, "greener" travel.
The federal contribution toward the interchange project will come from the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund.
Federal contribution: $8,300,000
Construction of the Buick Creek Arena
Project location: Buick Creek, British Columbia
The residents of Buick Creek have wanted a local indoor ice arena and recreation facility for some time. With the support of $946,267 through the Government of Canada's Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program, $400,000 combined funding from the federal and provincial governments through the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund (ISF) program, and $1,110,000 in Peace River Regional District Fair Share funds, the project is becoming a reality.
Community residents are looking forward to their National Hockey League sized ice arena housed within a new building. In the facility, they will find heated change rooms, service and storage rooms and concession space. The building will be accessible to people with disabilities. Hockey, figure skating, broom ball and public skating are planned for the winter season while volleyball, floor hockey and indoor soccer will be featured from May to October.
The recreational facility will support community gatherings and social events, and create ongoing local part-time jobs. "We have a plan to move our community forward into the future," says Karen Goodings, District Chair. "These investments will really help us achieve our goals."
Federal Contribution: $200,000 (ISF) and $946,267 (RInC)
Promoting Resident Safety and Health
Paved Walking Path
Project location: Canal Flats, British Columbia
Situated at the southern end of Columbia Lake, Canal Flats, British Columbia is a gateway into the world-renowned recreational areas of the Kootenay River Valley. But in the town itself, the lack of sidewalks impeded pedestrian traffic, including recreational activities that promoted good health.
Recognizing the need to encourage alternative and healthy means of travel, the Village of Canal Flats applied for funding to undertake its first-ever major project: a 2.5 km paved walkway linking the school, community hall, seniors hall, arena and commercial areas of the village.
With over $100,000 from the federal Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, and support from the province and the municipality, Canal Flats now has a safe walking path for the village's 800 residents and visitors alike.
Children can walk or bike to school safely away from motorized traffic, and seniors have a smooth paved surface for a little outdoor exercise and fresh air.
Mayor Bruce Woodbury calls the walkway a "significant safety improvement" that also just happens to promote the good health of his community.
Federal contribution: $101,333
Environmental and Economic Benefits Realized
Project location: Chetwynd, British Columbia
Initially a gravel road with narrow shoulders, 53rd Avenue in Chetwynd needed a facelift. An important feeder artery to BC Highway 97, which runs through town toward Prince George and Alaska to the west and Dawson Creek to the east, 53rd Avenue facilities included a mix of services for motorists on Highway 97 like motels and gas stations, and for area residents such as a church and places of employment. Subdivisions were also beginning to branch off of 53rd Avenue.
The District of Chetwynd reconstructed and widened part of 53rd Avenue, building a new sub-base, adding drainage, curbs and gutters, and asphalt. The federal contribution of $198,873 from the Communities Component of the Building Canada Fund helped make this project possible.
With the widened shoulders and smooth road surface, cyclists and pedestrians can now safely use the street. The asphalt surface also means less wear and tear on vehicles, and silt from the previously graveled road no longer runs into nearby ditches with every precipitation and thaw event, eventually ending up in the local water table.
The paved surface also improves access to the businesses and services along the street – something long-distance truckers and motorists on Highway 97, and local residents and businesses greatly appreciate.
Federal contribution: $198,873
Sustainable Landscaping that Promotes Physical Activity
Project location: Coldstream, British Columbia
A park that had been on a lot of wish lists for a very long time is now a reality, with the help of $187,500 from the federal Infrastructure Stimulus Fund.
Middleton Mountain dominates the landscape for most residents in the northern part of B.C.'s famed Okanagan Valley. Many people can access the mountain area directly from their own homes in the surrounding municipalities of Vernon, Coldstream and Lavington.
A trail looping around Middleton Mountain now provides an estimated 4,000 regular users with a safe, natural outdoor setting for physical activity. The easy access also helps promote a more active lifestyle for the 77,000-plus residents in the region. Local businesses hope it helps promote tourism.
The funding also supported a sports field and improved accessibility to the trail area for people with disabilities.
Incorporating sustainable landscaping and an enhanced wildlife habitat, the park was long overdue in many people's estimations. Mayor Jim Garlick of Coldstream calls the new recreation area a "much needed park facility" and a "wonderful improvement to the area."
Federal contribution: $187,500
Restoring a Link to Courtenay's Past
Native Sons Hall
Project location: Courtenay, British Columbia
The historic Native Sons Hall in Courtenay, B.C., about 100 km north of Nanaimo on Vancouver Island, will get a new lease on life, thanks to a $650,000 contribution through the federal Infrastructure Stimulus Fund.
Built in 1928 as Courtenay's recreation centre, the hall is the largest free-span log building in British Columbia. After hosting weddings, dances, concerts, community events and farmers' markets over the years, it has recently become home to the Courtenay and District Museum.
The renovations will preserve the hall's unique character while bringing it up to modern standards. Work includes improving the building's energy efficiency, adding new wiring to permit remote viewing of cultural events, and landscaping.
"This funding will rejuvenate the facility and ensure the Native Sons Hall remains an ideal setting for local events for many years to come," said Courtenay Mayor Greg Phelps.
The hall's location on the 10-kilometre "riverway walk" close to the Sid Williams Theatre and the Florence Filberg Centre creates many opportunities for events that will draw visitors and create spinoff economic benefits for the area.
Federal Contribution: $644,566
Safety Concerns Addressed
Storm Water Control Improved
Project location: Dawson Creek, British Columbia
U-turns had become an all too familiar occurrence on 92 Avenue in Dawson Creek. Motorists would discover barriers and the street closed yet again due to water erosion underneath the roadbed that had made the roadway unsafe even for pedestrians.
Realizing repairs would be costly, the City of Dawson Creek applied for assistance from the federal Infrastructure Stimulus Fund and was awarded $257,333. Upgrades include new storm water drainage, a new watermain and culvert, and replaced roadbed in the damaged section of 92 Avenue.
The upgrades improve water flow and reduce the impact of erosion on both the roadbed and the watermain system. They also stop excessive runoff from entering Dawson Creek untreated or flooding neighbouring properties.
Located in the north end of Dawson Creek, 92 Avenue is a major arterial connector. The street connects a nearby school and residential area and is served by public transit. The upgrades have addressed safety concerns for everyone using the street. The improvements also help position Dawson Creek to deal with future growth.
Federal contribution: $257,333
Highway 77 Deasum Creek
Project location: Fort Nelson, British Columbia
The project consists of base strengthening and upgrading of the road structure with a new hard surface on Highway 77 on over 25 kilometers between Deasum Creek and the Northwest Territories (kilometer 112 to kilometer 137).
The project will provide for 100% legal load carrying capacity, protect the road structure from the damage caused by heavy industrial traffic, improve reliability and provide a hard surface to increase travel speed and rider comfort.
"This project will improve travel and safety conditions and is expected to create approximately 40 jobs, at a time when the need for economic stimulus is greatest," says Blair Lekstrom, MLA, Peace River South. "The provincial and federal governments are clearly committed to ensuring that while we face these economic challenges we are keeping British Columbians working, while at the same time investing in our northern communities.
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Federal Contribution: $2,048,975
Improving Safety for Northern Residents
Project location: Fraser-Fort George, British Columbia
The Beaverly Fire and Rescue and Chilako River-Nechako Highway Rescue teams have a new home thanks, in part, to the federal Infrastructure Stimulus Fund.
The two emergency services teams provide fire protection services to a rural community of up to 3,200 and highway rescue services to many more.
Their old hall had become too small to meet current demands and needed to be brought up to current construction standards.
The new, larger facility exceeds current energy efficiency standards and can accommodate up to 8 emergency vehicles along with other equipment. It also now houses a backup emergency operations centre and a larger training area that allows rescue crews to train indoors year-round.
Funding from the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund allowed the District to move forward more quickly to improve safety in the region through this project. As Art Kaehn, Chair of the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George, pointed out, without the federal assistance, the District would have had to wait another five years before it could afford to build the new fire hall on its own.
Federal contribution: $200,000
Protecting Suburban Homes
Improved Flood Control
Project location: Langford, British Columbia
Heavy rains along the Pacific coast can swell B.C. waterways and overwhelm existing flood-control measures.
In Langford, British Columbia, on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, torrential rains can raise water levels in nearby Firehall Creek. The resulting floods frequently exceed the capacity of current flood-control measures.
When this happens, the city and homeowners end up with extensive damage to property and infrastructure, mounds of garbage and debris, and costly repair bills.
Now, federal funding of $614,075 from the Building Canada Fund's Communities Component, matched by provincial and municipal contributions, is being used to widen and deepen an existing flood control ditch to protect suburban development on the southwest side of Langford.
The funding will also help build a 2,500 m3 storm water detention pond to further improve flood protection in the city. The deeper ditch and added pond will dramatically increase Langford's capacity to manage major rain events and protect its 22,000 citizens and their property.
Federal contribution: $614,075
Rehabilitation of 208th Street
Project location: Langley, British Columbia
This project will involve upgrades to 208th Street between 48th Avenue and the Fraser Highway as a result of combined Federal, Provincial and Municipal contributions totalling $5,039,043. This is an important transportation route for Langley's businesses, residents and tourists. By 2021, an estimated 1,750 vehicles per hour will use 208th Street during peak periods. However, the road condition is currently in major distress and requires significant repairs to ensure public safety.
The work will include selective road widening, pavement and pavement markings, traffic control including signals and sidewalks, as well as curb and gutter repairs as required. Water mains and storm sewers will also be replaced and upsized, and the sanitary main will be replaced. The project would also involve the addition of bi-directional bicycle lanes on the curb lanes to improve safety and access. This would also provide a viable alternative to the automobile use and contribute to the city's environmental goals.
In speaking about the project, City of Langley Mayor Peter Fassbender said, "Not only will this project create job opportunities but it will also improve safety for motorists and cyclists, replacing aging infrastructure and meeting the demands from new growth within our community and the region."
This project will help create jobs, boost the local economy and build longer-lasting local infrastructure to help serve current and future generations.
Federal Contribution: $1,679,681
Highway 17 Interchange
Project location: North Saanich, British Columbia
Highway 17 is the principal north-south corridor on British Columbia's Saanich Peninsula. The Economic Action Plan's Infrastructure Stimulus Fund is making a new interchange possible that will include major improvements to the public transit facilities, including an expanded park and ride area, transit exchange and Rapid Bus service. The interchange will use a roundabout system to help minimize infrastructure costs and property buyouts.
The project is expected to improve road safety, reduce collisions, improve commute times and better accommodate cyclists and pedestrians. It will also improve access to the Victoria International Airport, BC Ferries and the local road network.
Reduced idling from stop-and-go traffic, along with greater public transit use means more efficient energy use and better air quality because of reduced emissions.
"The Victoria Airport Authority is very pleased to join with our federal and provincial governments by helping to fund a project that will solve the safety and congestion problems at this critical intersection," says Richard Paquette, President and CEO of the Victoria Airport Authority.
Federal contribution: $10,500,000
Improving Traffic Efficiency
Project location: North Vancouver, British Columbia
Marine Drive is a major transportation route serving the North Shore region of Greater Vancouver, but an aging road surface and heavy traffic congestion had increased the risk of accidents. The lack of dedicated bicycle lanes meant concern for cyclists.
To address these issues, the Government of Canada joined with the province and municipality to contribute one third of the costs through the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund.
The road surface has been replaced with a new material that is less susceptible to rutting and performs better than traditional materials. A bicycle lane connects cyclists with the existing North Shore cycling network, and buses-only lanes further encourage people to use alternate means of transportation.
A new traffic signal system allows the city to monitor traffic data in real time, and the timing of traffic signals has been further co-ordinated to improve commuting times. The system also helps manage traffic incidents and extracts the data needed to fine-tune the system and plan for the future.
More efficient traffic management means less greenhouse gas emissions and fewer logistical problems along a major artery serving thousands of suburban residents every day.
Federal contribution: $443,334
Port Alice Community Centre Renovation
Project location: Port Alice, British Columbia
The Village of Port Alice, on British Columbia's Vancouver Island, is receiving nearly $1.1 million under the Economic Action Plan's Infrastructure Stimulus Fund for much needed renovations to its aging and water-damaged community centre.
An energy audit revealed that the building is not energy efficient and requires numerous repairs and retrofits. The centre serves the Village's citizens in many ways, including School District No. 85 for gym classes, the Regional Library, the Lions Club, wedding receptions, company parties, memorial services, civic celebrations and municipal meetings.
Port Alice residents will see structural reconstruction and replacement of the roof, repairs to water-damaged walls and energy efficiency retrofits.
"The Village of Port Alice is a single-industry community that is struggling financially," says Gail Neely, Mayor of Port Alice. "This funding opportunity relieves tremendous financial pressure that will benefit the entire village."
Federal contribution: $200,000
Working Together
Improving Public Safety
Project location: Pouce Coupe, British Columbia
Pouce Coupe, a village in British Columbia's Peace River district, really needed a new fire hall. The old facility lacked the space for equipment and multiple fire engines; training facilities for the town's 20 volunteer fire fighters were also inadequate, and emergency response obligations were on the rise.
Mutual assistance agreements with nearby Dawson Creek and Toms Lake also emphasized the importance of having an up-to-date, well-trained fire department.
With the help of $200,000 in federal assistance from the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, Pouce Coupe built and opened a new fire hall in 2009. It now houses the village's two pumpers and one tanker, and provides training facilities for volunteers.
Pouce Coupe Mayor Lyman Clark calls it a "spectacular project" that emphasizes the importance of working together. "With the provincial and federal governments backing us, we have a plan for moving our community ahead . . . with even more strength and more opportunities for our residents than ever before."
Federal contribution: $200,000
Reviving Downtown Core
Project location: Princeton, British Columbia
Thanks to the federal Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, a recently refurbished building in the heart of Princeton’s downtown commercial district has become the new home of the Princeton Public Library.
The project improved the energy efficiency of the building structure and systems, added more computer workstations and created a multi-purpose room for meetings and events. The new facility is also fully accessible to people with disabilities and provides high-speed Internet access, something that wasn’t available before the move.
Mayor Randy McLean sees the move as a much-needed economic boost for the town. Not only have library services been expanded and enhanced, but construction and the need for more library staff have boosted employment. He also sees a tourism connection as expanded public access to the Internet at the Library brings visitors to the commercial centre of town.
Federal contribution: $199,499
Preparing for Growth
Improved Water Supply
Project location: Squamish, British Columbia
Recent development in Squamish, and the anticipation of more growth to come, prompted city officials to examine potable water supplies and demand. They were already near capacity but, at times, surface water had to be used to supplement groundwater sources.
The city, located about half way between Vancouver and Whistler, was also experiencing problems meeting peak water demands. Now, with $475,000 from the federal Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, the city has positioned itself to meet growth demands.
Squamish used the funds to build a new water station to bring the municipal pumping system up to current energy efficiency and environmental standards. Squamish Mayor Greg Gardner calls it a "critical piece" of the city's water network. The upgraded pumping station also ensures the city is prepared for future growth.
Federal contribution: $475,000
Revitalizing a Building – and a Community
Project location: Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia
The community centre in Tumbler Ridge, a small town in northern British Columbia, promotes activity for everyone in the area. Its facilities include an aquatic centre, indoor playground, rock-climbing wall, squash and racquetball courts, aerobics and fitness gym, skating and curling rinks, museum, art gallery, and licensed lounge.
Built in the 1980s, the centre was beginning to show the strains of heavy use and time. It was time for a retrofit.
Work is now well under way on revitalizing Tumbler Ridge's community centre; $200,000 from the federal Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, together with provincial and municipal funding, will pay for new doors and windows, and replace the exterior insulation finish system.
By bringing new vitality to a building used by so many residents of the area, municipal officials foresee a boost to community spirit. According to Mayor Larry White the work was vital to maintaining one of the most valued buildings in town. "For almost 30 years the community centre has served us well." The Mayor anticipates that with the retrofit, the facility should be good for another 30 years.
Federal contribution: $200,000
Improved Commuter Services
Project location: Vancouver, British Columbia
The Major Infrastructure Component of the Building Canada Fund is helping the West Coast Express commuter rail service meet the demand for urban public transit in metro Vancouver.
With a fleet of state-of-the-art trains and highway coaches, West Coast Express serves commuters in Vancouver and suburban Mission, Port Haney, Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, Port Coquitlam, Coquitlam and Port Moody. At the Waterfront station in Vancouver, passengers can transfer to other modes of public transit serving the region.
To meet the increasing demand for service from suburban commuters, West Coast Express is purchasing seven additional rail cars and making upgrades to Vancouver’s Waterfront station and the station in Mission. Longer platforms in both stations will improve passenger access and safety, and accommodate longer trains. Security cameras are also being installed.
TransLink operates the commuter rail service for West Coast Express. Dale Parker, Chair of TransLink points to extensive up-front planning as a key element in the agency’s ability to attract the support of all levels of government for this project and make the upgrades as quickly as possible.
Federal contribution: $9,019,000
Encouraging Fresh-Air Commuting
Going Green, Getting Healthy
Project location: Victoria, British Columbia
Funding of $137,693 helped the Capital Regional District of Victoria upgrade a major commuter corridor on lower Vancouver Island that also happens to be part of the Trans Canada Trail – a coast-to-coast system of linked paths in Canada.
Named for a noisy, awkward-looking rail-car system that carried passengers in the 1920s between Sooke and Victoria, British Columbia, the Galloping Goose Trail is a 55-kilometre multi-use recreational path linking urban, rural and wilderness settings.
Cyclists, joggers, rollerbladers and residents out for a stroll take advantage of the Galloping Goose to get to work or simply enjoy the enveloping greenery of the trail.
With an estimated 220,000 cyclists alone using the Galloping Goose each year, many on their way to and from work, concerns had been raised about the safety of the trail's sometimes rough surface. Funds were used to pave part of the Trail to improve travel quality and promote increased use, thus getting more greenhouse-gas-emitting vehicles off regional roads.
Christopher Clausen, Capital Regional District Parks Committee Chair sees the newly paved surface as a huge encouragement to get people out in the fresh air and drivers out of their vehicles and onto a bike. Fewer vehicles in transit mean cleaner air and an improved environmental quality of life. It's a win-win situation for the health of the community and its residents.
Federal contribution: $137,693
Improving Traffic Congestion and Transit Service
Project location: West Vancouver and District of North Vancouver, British Columbia
The Old Capilano “Blue” Bridge, which carried two lanes of traffic westbound between the Lions Gate Bridge and Taylor Way, is being replaced with a three-lane structure to relieve congestion along Marine Drive. Rehabilitating the old bridge would have been too costly due to extensive corrosion, lead paint and traffic management in the midst of work crews.
Thanks to $18 million from the federal Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, work began in the summer of 2009 with the construction of temporary abutments in the Capilano River. Gas, electricity and telephone lines crossing the river on the old bridge had to be capped and utilities rerouted so there would be no interruption in service. The significant pedestrian and bicycling traffic on the bridge also required a detour.
In June 2010, the existing bridge was moved onto the new abutments and temporary approaches completed to the realigned bridge, which now acts as a detour while the new bridge is under construction on the old alignment.
The new bridge will include a third lane for transit services and accommodation for pedestrian and bicycle traffic. The buses-only lane is expected to improve service to and from downtown Vancouver for riders of the 12 bus routes currently using the bridge. The new bridge is scheduled to open in the spring of 2011.
Federal contribution: $18,000,000
Having Fun in a Safe Environment
Project location: Williams Lake, British Columbia
With a population of more than 25,000, Williams Lake, in British Columbia’s central interior, is home to many young families whose children really appreciate the play spaces in the city’s municipal parks.
One older park in the downtown core of Williams Lake needed some refurbishment. Much-used play structures were showing their age, and access for persons with disabilities was an issue. To refresh the park and improve accessibility, Williams Lake successfully applied to the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund for assistance.
Work included a new, accessible play structure and swings set on a rubberized ground surface to improve safety. An interior walkway opens up the park even further.
Chief Administrative Officer Brian Carruthers points to the exciting possibilities of the new playground: Children of all abilities can now interact in a fun and safe play environment that allows them to participate to their highest potential.
Federal contribution: $70,000
Project profiles in other provinces and territories: