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The Government of Canada announced that two communities in the Sea to Sky Country are receiving upgrades to their water infrastructure.
Pemberton will make upgrades after a combined investment of more than $8.1 million from the federal and provincial governments, and the Village of Pemberton. This project will construct a new water treatment plant to provide efficient and reliable water treatment services. It will include an oxidation and filtration system to lower iron and manganese levels in the source water, thereby increasing quality of the drinking water.
“Safe and reliable drinking water is essential to support growing communities. Today’s announcement of close to $10 million for two critical water projects will support residents across our region. In Pemberton, the construction of a new water treatment plant will ensure year-round access to clean and reliable water. Flood protection measures will safeguard homes, roads, and lands of the Li´l?wat Nation, while preserving salmon habitat. These investments will ensure clean, high-quality drinking water and protect residents and the environment for many years to come. The Government of Canada is committed to working with Indigenous peoples and all orders of government to deliver local infrastructure projects like these that help build more resilient communities for everyone,” said Patrick Weiler, MP for West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast – Sea to Sky Country.
“The new Water Treatment Plant gives Pemberton residents and visitors access to reliable, high-quality water to support a healthy community for years to come. I am proud of the work and partnership between all orders of government to ensure communities have the efficient essential services they need,” said Anne Kang, Minister of Municipal Affairs.
Also, following a combined investment of more than $1.5 million from the federal government and Li´l?wat Nation, with support from the Government of B.C., rehabilitation and improvements are underway at Grandmother Slough, a fish-bearing stream within the Lillooet River floodplain. This project includes removing invasive reed canary grass, upgrading four culverts at two major crossings – Main Street and Highway 99 East – to improve water flow capacity, enhancing hydrometric monitoring, and restoring natural infrastructure to protect the salmon habitat. These upgrades will safeguard infrastructure, preserve the environment, and mitigate the impacts on water quality and ecosystems during future flood events.
“This project will help restore and strengthen an area of both historical and ecological importance to the Nation. Grandmother Slough has long been central to our community and its rehabilitation will greatly benefit our local ecosystem and environment,” said Dean Nelson, Chief of Li´l?wat Nation.
The federal government is investing $3,263,600 through the Green Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program in the Water Treatment Plant. The Government of British Columbia is investing $2,719,395 and the Village of Pemberton is contributing $2,176,005.
“On behalf of Mayor, Council, and the Village of Pemberton Staff, we are thrilled to announce this significant investment in our community’s water infrastructure. The construction of a new Water Treatment Plant represents our dedication to the health and well-being of our community, ensuring residents continue to have access to safe, high-quality drinking water. As a growing community, it is essential that we stay ahead of future needs and plan responsibly. This project is a crucial next step in that direction, providing current and future residents with sustainable, safe, and reliable water resources. We extend our gratitude to the federal government and the Government of British Columbia for this generous support, which makes this vital project possible,” said Ted Craddock, Councillor for Village of Pemberton.
The federal government is investing $1,175,404 through the Green Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program in the Grandmother Slough Climate Adaptation Project. The Li´l?wat Nation, with support from the Government of British Columbia, is contributing $391,801. |
