The governments of Canada and British Columbia are investing nearly $3.4 million to upgrade the West Bench Irrigation District’s (WBID) water distribution system located in the City of Penticton to provide cleaner, safer drinking water. This project will upgrade the water distribution system, which is currently in need of repair due to age and condition. The WBID will be connected to the City of Penticton’s water supply, providing safe, clean drinking water to the residents of West Bench.
This project is an example of the commitment of both governments to strengthen the British Columbia economy by reducing red tape, creating jobs and getting shovels in the ground sooner.
“We are teaming up with the B.C. government and local governments to deliver results to British Columbians,” said Okanagan-Coquihalla member of parliament Stockwell Day. “The investments under this program demonstrate the Government of Canada’s commitment to use infrastructure to boost our economy.”
“Collaborative projects through the Building Canada plan are helping bring vital infrastructure to our region,” said Penticton-Okanagan member of legislative assembly Bill Barisoff. “These upgrades to West Bench’s water distribution system will ensure good quality water for the residents of this area, helping the community as it grows and develops.”
“The City of Penticton is pleased to work with West Bench residents to ensure a clean and reliable water supply,” said Penticton Mayor Dan Ashton. “With the help of the federal and provincial governments, affordable filtered water is becoming a reality.”
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.