JOINT FUNDING SUPPORTS TOFINO INFRASTRUCTURE, SERVICES

TOFINO BC– Dr. James Lunney MP and Minister Kevin Krueger were in the District of Tofino today and announced close to $700,000 in federal and provincial funding to enhance local infrastructure and provide important community services.

“The Government of Canada is pleased to join with the Province in providing Towns for Tomorrow funding for Tofino, which helps to build local infrastructure and create jobs,” said Lunney. “This is another example of how the federal government is committed to strengthening B.C.’s economy and keeping British Columbians working.”

Today’s announcement includes Towns for Tomorrow funding of $244,800 for a 20 metre roundabout at Lynn Road and Osprey Lane, an intersection used extensively to access Chesterman’s Beach, one of the most popular beaches in the District. Funding will also contribute to parking lot improvements and construction of a pedestrian crosswalk in the same area, thereby providing safer access to the beach.

A Strategic Community Investment Fund of $408,222 through a restructuring of provincial grant programs to give communities more funding sooner, including Small Community Grants to support Tofino in providing basic services.

Infrastructure Planning Grant Program: $10,000 to assist Tofino in designing an Asset Management Roadmap and a strategy related to Infrastructure Condition Assessments.

$1,116 from the Climate Action Revenue Incentive Program – equal to 100 per cent of the carbon tax paid as part of direct expenditures on fossil fuels. The community is one of the more than 175 communities that have signed the Climate Action Charter committing to becoming carbon neutral by 2012.

“Funding for infrastructure and basic services are vital for local economies that are poised to grow and prosper,” said Community Development Minister Kevin Krueger. “The Province of B.C.’s support for infrastructure and local government services shows our confidence in the future of this region.”

These investments are part of the Government of Canada and Province of B.C.’s ongoing commitment to invest in B.C. communities and support the economy. Beyond this funding announcement, the Government of Canada is taking important steps to support economic growth. Canada’s Economic Action Plan, announced in Budget 2009, is a balanced stimulus plan that includes massive investments in infrastructure, tax relief and transfers.

This plan will provide close to $12 billion in new infrastructure stimulus funding over two years which will address needs in communities across Canada, as well as contributing to long-term economic growth through investments in public infrastructure, such as roads, water treatment, green energy and transit.

PROGRAM INFORMATION Towns for Tomorrow is a five-year, $71-million program that helps smaller communities and regional districts with infrastructure projects, providing up to 80 per cent of funding for communities under 5,000, with a maximum provincial contribution of $400,000, and 75 per cent of funding for communities up to 15,000, with a maximum of $375,000. As a result of a commitment on the part of all levels of government to accelerate the disbursement of infrastructure funding to stimulate the economy and meet the needs of communities, the federal government is proudly supporting the Towns for Tomorrow program. To learn more about Towns for Tomorrow, go to www.townsfortomorrow.gov.bc.ca.