Rossland celebrates completion of infrastructure work on Washington Street

ROSSLAND, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Nov. 3, 2016) - Investing in local infrastructure helps ensure that Canadians have access to safer roads, clean and reliable drinking water, efficient and effective wastewater systems and stormwater systems that will mitigate flood risks. It also helps create jobs and grow the middle class while building a strong foundation for a sustainable economic future.

The community joined officials today in celebrating the reopening of Washington Street to pedestrian and vehicle traffic. Announced in 2015, the project upgraded the underground pipes related to water, wastewater and stormwater management, and included upgrades to the streetscape.

In all, 1,124 metres of water pipe, 720 metres of sewer pipe and 760 metres of storm pipe and 9,000 square metres of asphalt road surface were installed. New bike lanes, a multiuse path, sidewalks, boulevard restoration and street lighting were also added. A conduit to allow for the installation of high‐speed telecommunications fibre was also included to prepare for the future connectivity needs of the community.

As a result of this project, residents can enjoy more reliable municipal services. Roadway, sidewalk and lighting improvements have increased safety for drivers and pedestrians, especially school children attending Rossland Summit School.

Quotes

"The Government of Canada is delivering infrastructure funding programs to meet the diverse needs of communities, and to help them enhance economic opportunities and the quality of life for middle class Canadians. We are pleased to have helped support upgrades to Washington Street and its underlying municipal infrastructure so that it will meet the needs of local businesses and residents for decades to come."

The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

"The strong relationship between the Governments of British Columbia, Canada and our local communities ensures cities like Rossland receive the necessary funding to upgrade critical water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure. We are proud of the Small Communities Fund partnership and the assistance it provides to all regions of our province."

The Honourable Peter Fassbender, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development

"We are particularly grateful to our funding partners. This was the biggest infrastructure grant Rossland has received and without it we could not have moved this essential project forward. Dealing with aging and failing infrastructure, funded only by property taxes is a nearly impossible task. Under the current system, grants are the only means for municipalities to maintain critical infrastructure."

Kathy Moore, Mayor of Rossland

Quick facts

• The Government of Canada contributed up to $1,090,850 and the Province of British Columbia contributed up to $1,090,850 through the Small Communities Fund towards the water main, wastewater and road renewal components of the project.
• The bike lanes and multi-use path was funded by a Bike BC grant of $226,026.
• Road safety features totaling $40,300 were funded by an Insurance Corporation of British Columbia grant.
• The remaining costs of the project was covered by the municipality.

Associated links

Government of Canada's $180-billion+ infrastructure plan: http://www.budget.gc.ca/fes-eea/2016/docs/themes/infrastructure-en.html

Federal infrastructure investments in British Columbia: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/map-carte/bc-eng.html.

Small Communities Fund: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/sc-cp-eng.html.

New Building Canada Plan: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/nbcp-npcc-eng.html.

Twitter: @INFC_eng

Web: Infrastructure Canada