Government of Canada Delivers Port Hardy Sewer Extension Project

Port Hardy, British Columbia, September 23, 2009 – The District of Port Hardy's sewer system will be expanded thanks to $1.08 million in funding from the federal Gas Tax Fund. The project will contribute to improving the marine environment in Hardy Bay.

“Under the leadership of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, our Government is investing in infrastructure that will create jobs and protect the health of Canadians,” said John Duncan, the Member of Parliament for Vancouver Island North. “We are pleased to partner with Port Hardy for the extension of the Community Sewer System, and to provide the full $1.08 million needed to complete this project.”

“Protecting the environment remains a priority for the Province,” said Comox Valley MLA Don McRae on behalf of B.C. Community and Rural Development Minister Bill Bennett. “Supporting the district of Port Hardy in expanding their sewer system will improve local infrastructure and help minimize the community's impact on Hardy Bay.”

“It has been a long-term goal for the District of Port Hardy to provide wastewater servicing to the East Side of Hardy Bay,” said Mayor Parnham. “This initiative will not only offer the opportunity to upgrade services for current properties on the East Side, but will provide enhanced opportunity for new economic growth for our community.”

This project will provide sewage collection for up to 100 residents, as well as several commercial and industrial operations, and link the neighbourhood of Bear Cove to the community sewer system. In addition, the project will be able to accommodate all septic disposal requirements from the BC Ferries terminal, which currently uses an on-site septic system.

The Gas Tax Fund is an agreement between the Government of Canada, British Columbia and UBCM that delivers infrastructure federal funding to local governments for capital projects that lead to cleaner air, cleaner water, or reduced greenhouse gas emissions. The Government of Canada extended the Gas Tax Fund to 2014 to provide a total of $1.6 billion in funding for local infrastructure in British Columbia. UBCM administers the Gas Tax Fund in B.C. in collaboration with the Government of Canada and British Columbia.

“The expansion of Port Hardy's sewer system is a significant step towards building community sustainability”, said UBCM President Robert Hobson. “UBCM is very appreciative of funding support provided through the Gas Tax Fund to support this new project.”

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

For more information:

Laura Smith
Office of John Duncan, MP for Vancouver Island North
613-992-2503

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

Ministry of Community and Rural Development
250-387-4089

Paul Taylor
Communications and Relationships Advisor
Union of BC Municipalities
250-356-0862

Infrastructure Canada
613-948-1148