Government Partnership Supports Long-Term Sustainability for Castlegar

Castlegar, British Columbia, December 14, 2008 – The City of Castlegar’s Integrated Sustainability Planning Project (CISPP) is receiving federal funding to develop a long-term vision for community infrastructure and sustainability, and to establish guiding principles for the future development of the City.

The CISPP will develop city guidelines for sustainable community planning, as well as a local infrastructure strategy. CISPP will address vital infrastructure issues in the community, including downtown revitalization, economic development, housing, transportation and air quality.

“The Government of Canada is acting to ensure that future growth will support our regional economy and environment,” said Jim Abbott, the Member of Parliament for Kootenay--Columbia, on behalf of John Baird, Canada’s Transport Minister. “Sustainable communities are economically prosperous communities, and I’m proud to represent a Government that is taking action to cut the red tape and to get the shovels in the ground.”

“This new project is an excellent example of all three levels of government working to build community sustainability,” said Mayor Lawrence Chernoff. “With a land use and infrastructure strategy in place, Castlegar will be well-prepared for future growth and development.”

“Planning for the future is crucial in order for us to properly address unprecedented economic and environmental challenges,” said B.C. Community Development Minister Blair Lekstrom. “This grant is a step in the right direction as it will allow Castlegar to chart its course in a way that will ensure that its citizens are well-served for generations to come.”

“Castlegar’s new planning project will bring people together to consider matters vital to the long-term health of the community,” said UBCM President Robert Hobson. “Gas Tax funding for this project will develop the tools that will shape Castlegar’s future.”

Public participation will be an essential part of the CISPP, with public meetings anticipated at all stages for updates and feedback.

Please visit www.infrastructure.gc.ca or www.civicnet.bc.ca for background information on the Canada – BC – UBCM Gas Tax Agreement.

For more information:

Chris Day
Press Secretary
Office of Canada’s Transport and Infrastructure Minister
613-991-0700

Marc Black
Communications Manager
Ministry of Community Development
250-387-4089

Paul Taylor
Relationships and Communications Advisor
Union of BC Municipalities
250-356-2938

Shannon Marshall
Planning Technician II
City of Castlegar
250-365-8962
smarshall@castlegar.ca

Infrastructure Canada
613-948-1148