Back to SearchApril 5, 2023
23-07
For Immediate Release
Growing Communities Funds support critical projects in the Cariboo
Williams Lake, B.C. – The Cariboo Regional District’s Board of Directors has held preliminary discussions on how to allocate $3.947 million being received from the Growing Communities Fund. After significant deliberations, three projects were approved for funding - the resurfacing of the South Cariboo Regional Airport’s runway ($1.45 million) and new wells for the Alexis Creek and Lac La Hache water systems (approximately $1.45 million).
“The Growing Communities Funding we are receiving this year helps to alleviate some of the financial pressures we face with our critical infrastructure,” said Margo Wagner, Chair of the Board of Directors, “While we greatly appreciate what these funds are able to do for us, I cannot stress enough the need for ongoing, continuous funding that will be required to meet growth needs in our region into the future.”
The South Cariboo Regional Airport runway resurfacing project dominated initial discussions around how to allocate this funding. The essential role this airport serves in supporting BC Wildfire operations was heavily acknowledged, and it was noted that this project was a priority for the entire region. Directors and staff stressed the risk faced by the end-of-life runway, which will need to be resurfaced to remain functional and safe to use. The Board approved allocating $1.45 million for this project to enable to proceed with the project in 2023.
“This funding is critical to the resurfacing of the South Cariboo Airport, which we’ve struggled for over 8 years to find funding for to make this $5 million investment,” said Al Richmond, Director, Electoral Area “G” (Lac La Hache-108 Mile), “These funds can be leveraged for other funding opportunities to bring the runway to BC Air Ambulance’s standards, ensuring South Cariboo residents can access Medevac services in their time of need.”
The funds being allocated towards replacing production wells in Alexis Creek and Lac La Hache will allow the regional district to replace some of its oldest and most critical pieces of infrastructure, serving approximately 260 households and businesses. The Board recognizes the need for funding to address aging infrastructure in its other systems, while balancing the need for ratepayer equity when investing in these systems. An evolving long-term approach to infrastructure renewal will support the financing of critical service delivery.
“I am very pleased about the funding for the Alexis Creek water system to replace the very old infrastructure which is beyond being on its last legs,” said Betty Anderson, Director, Electoral Area “K” (East Chilcotin), “This will greatly improve the reliability of this system, which residents will be very thankful for.”
Further deliberations about how to use the remaining funding, amounting to just over $1 million, will be made at a later meeting.
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