Cranbrook has received $2.8 million in federal gas tax funding that will be used for the Idlewild Rehabilitation Project, which is anticipated to get underway later this year.
The federal Gas Tax Fund is administered by the Union of British Columbia Municipalities in partnership with the provincial and federal governments.
"This is great news for the citizens of Cranbrook and Area C residents," said Cranbrook Mayor Lee Pratt. "The dam will be rebuilt and the lake restored. We want to enhance the surrounding area and build it to serve the residents in many different ways.
"We will be consulting with the public and encouraging participation by various groups and organizations. This will be a Community Builder project that will serve the needs of the users for many years to come. Stay tuned for further announcements regarding this wonderful project we are about to design and build."
The GTF is part of annual predictable funding that the federal government transfers to British Columbia, which is then doled out through UBCM. This year, UBCM received 222 applications and approved 57 new infrastructure projects under the Strategic Priorities Fund worth $73.3 million.
"The federal Gas Tax Fund is helping local governments accelerate their capital investment plans," said Al Richmond, the president of UBCM. "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.”
Amarjeet Sohi, the federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, made the GTF announcement on Friday in Surrey.
“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," Sohi said. "Community officials are best positioned to identify their specific needs, and the federal Gas Tax fund supports them in making those strategic investments."