Parksville Receives Federal Infrastructure Funding

PARKSVILLE, BC, March19,2009.  Residents of Parksville will benefit from joint federal and provincial funding of over $1.7 million to upgrade Moilliet Street in the city's downtown core, Nanaimo-Alberni MP James Lunney and Nanaimo-Parksville MLA Ron Cantelon announced today.

"This project is just one example of the commitment of both governments to strengthening the British Columbia economy by reducing red tape, creating jobs, and getting shovels in the ground sooner. I am pleased to see federal dollars being invested to meet the infrastructure priorities selected by mayor and council," said MP James Lunney.

The upgraded corridor will benefit Parksville for many years to come. Parksville is fast becoming a preferred destination for new residents and visitors, creating a real need to upgrade the town's infrastructure, said Cantelon.

In co-operation with our federal and municipal partners, we are working to improve local transportation to make it easier, safer, and more environmentally sound to get around, while creating 26 local jobs on the construction of this project.

Approximately 900 metres of Moilliet Street will be upgraded. Improvements will include widening of the street and installing traffic-calming devices. The existing water mains will be replaced to improve the quality of drinking water, and sewer mains and storm drains will be also replaced. The addition of sidewalks and bike lanes along Moilliet Street will encourage non-motorized transportation.

The governments of Canada and British Columbia will each invest up to $872,771 in the project. The City of Parksville will contribute the balance of the remaining project costs. The ongoing updating of our infrastructure is a priority for the City of Parksville, said City of Parksville Mayor Ed Mayne.

Today's announcement by the provincial and federal governments is a clear indication of their commitment to helping Parksville keep up with the demands of our aging infrastructure needs. This is a $2.6-million dollar project that includes the replacement of existing water mains, storm drains, sanitary sewer, roads and sidewalks. We are looking forward to further contributions under these programs towards our infrastructure deficit. Said Mayor Mayne.

This project is one of 41 projects across the province that will break ground quickly thanks to a joint federal-provincial investment of $110 million. Together with local government contributions, the total investment in local infrastructure improvements in British Columbia during this first intake exceeds $175 million. The governments of Canada and British Columbia have taken steps to get shovels in the ground and to flow money faster for targeted infrastructure projects in British Columbia communities in the 2009 and 2010 construction seasons.

For Immediate Release                                          

Parksville Receives Federal Infrastructure Funding For Moilliet Street Upgrade.