The governments of Canada and British Columbia are investing $901,332 to improve the Falkland water system of the Columbia Shuswap Regional District. This Building Canada-funded project helps with the first phase of a plan to construct a replacement well, increasing the water systems reliability. The project will also include installation of a secondary treatment system, monitoring equipment, standby power for the well pump and a booster/pressure relief valve station.

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.

“These investments will help stimulate the economy, create jobs, and generally improve quality of life for British Columbian families,” said Colin Mayes, Member of Parliament for Okanagan-Shuswap. “In these challenging economic times, the governments of Canada and British Columbia are working together to build stronger and brighter futures for communities.”

“I am pleased to see Falkland is getting the funding needed to upgrade their water treatment systems,” says Shuswap Member of Legislative Assembly George Abbott. “Our government is committed to supporting community health by providing clean water, and ensuring the sustainability of the water system.”

The current well, drilled in 1979, has experienced a considerable decrease in capacity.

It is estimated the investment will result in 13 direct and indirect jobs.

“Falkland has formerly been dependent on an older well, which is losing capacity, so these improvements will vastly improve the source and quality of our drinking water,” said Columbia Shuswap Regional District chair Marty Bootsma. “We look forward to having a more abundant and reliable water source for our residents and visitors.”

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.