The District of Squamish has been successful in two federal grant applications totalling $1,112,000. The federal Gas Tax Fund will provide $952,000 for a new UltraViolet disinfection of sewage effluent facility at the Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP). The Gas Tax Fund will also provide $160,000 to complete an Integrated Stormwater Management Plan. Both projects are being fully funded through the Gas Tax Fund.
As part of the recently completed Liquid Waste Management Plan, an Environmental Impact Assessment was completed that recommended the District add a new level of treatment at the WWTP in order to improve water quality in the Squamish River, following increasingly stringent regulations. Beginning in 2016, the District will begin disinfecting sewage effluent entering the Squamish River with a new UV Disinfection facility.
While the District has always been in compliance with respect to water quality, the implementation of UV disinfection has important benefits for the community. The installation will ensure that the water quality of the effluent is significantly improved, which will in turn improve the health of the surrounding ecosystem. With water quality being crucial for environmental health, aquatic life, and for recreational pursuits such as fishing and water sports, ongoing improvements in this area will see significant positive impacts.
Construction will begin in summer 2016. It is anticipated that the new facility will be commissioned by fall 2016.
The District will complete an Integrated Stormwater Management Plan (ISMP) in 2016 in order to prepare a blueprint that supports the growth of the community in a way that enhances the overall health of the watershed. The ISMP will be a powerful tool that enables Squamish to set a clear direction for what the growing community – and its relationship with the environment – looks like. The project will establish a solid, asset-based and environmentally focused service plan with clear ties to environmental improvement and sound financial policy.
Implementing integrated stormwater management will enhance stream protection by ultimately introducing green stormwater infrastructure. The project will boost protection of riparian stream corridors and wetlands to enhance fish and aquatic habitat.
The plan is anticipated to be complete in early 2017.
“Through the federal Gas Tax Fund, the Government of Canada is allowing communities in BC, and all across Canada, to make informed decisions about their infrastructure investments and how best to spend federal dollars. Community officials are best positioned to identify their specific needs, and the federal Gas Tax fund supports them in making those strategic investments. These 57 projects will contribute to building the strong, inclusive and sustainable communities Canadians desire to live in.”
Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
“These funds will help support the construction of infrastructure improvements that will provide a better standard of living for residents in communities all across B.C. I’m pleased to say that local governments throughout the province are receiving more than $69 million in funding for 27 capital projects through the Federal Gas Tax Fund, which is administered by the Union of British Columbia Municipalities and provided by the Government of Canada.”
Honourable Peter Fassbender, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
“Improving water quality in our streams and rivers to ensure a sustainable and healthy community and environment is paramount and foundational for the District of Squamish. We're doing so by investing in green infrastructure and improving our planning tools. These federal funds are sincerely appreciated and will help support us in achieving our goals.”
Patricia Heintzman, Mayor, District of Squamish
“The federal Gas Tax Fund is helping local governments accelerate their capital investment plans. These investments will support improved levels of service for facilities in communities throughout BC. The 189 local governments that we represent appreciate the ongoing commitment of the Government of Canada to improving local infrastructure. We are also pleased with the valued support provided by the Province of British Columbia to deliver this program.”
Al Richmond, President, Union of BC Municipalities
Learn more about the federal Gas Tax Fund.
Learn more about other projects recently announced under the Strategic Priorities Fund.
February 15, 2016
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