Jun 18, 2018

Ladysmith marks official grand opening of wastewater treatment facilities

Projects made possible thanks to federal Gas Tax Fund and the Green Municipal Fund

June 18, 2018  --  Ladysmith, BC             

The Town of Ladysmith showcased two prominent infrastructure projects during an official event to celebrate the grand opening of both facilities.

Completion of the Town's new wastewater treatment plant has significantly improved the quality of the wastewater effluent discharged to the Ladysmith Harbour, reducing pollution levels and supporting the guiding principles of the Town's Waterfront Area Plan. The upgrades to the wastewater treatment plant and the accompanying new bio-solids facility, which takes bio-solids produced at the wastewater treatment plant and transforms them into Class A compost, demonstrates Ladysmith's commitment to restoring the health of the local aquatic environment.

In 2011, the Town received $5.21 million in federal Gas Tax funding from the Union of BC Municipalities' (UBCM) Strategic Priorities Fund toward construction of the wastewater treatment plant, along with a $1 million grant and $10 million loan through the Green Municipal FundTM (GMF). GMF is a $625-million program, delivered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) and funded by the Government of Canada. GMF supports innovative solutions to environmental challenges, funding projects that improve air, water and land quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and generate economic and social benefits for local communities. Through GMF, municipalities also share lessons learned and successful new models for advancing sustainability in communities of all sizes across Canada.The Town later received an additional $570,224 in federal Gas Tax funding through the UBCM's Regionally Significant Projects Fund that was directed toward construction of the bio-solids facility.

Each year, the Government of Canada provides over $278 million in funding for local government infrastructure across British Columbia through the federal Gas Tax Fund. The Union of BC Municipalities administers the federal Gas Tax Fund in British Columbia in partnership with the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia.


Quotes

"Investing in innovative projects like the Ladysmith wastewater treatment plant and the bio-solids facility is vital to safeguarding our environment and establishing cleaner, more sustainable communities. The Government of Canada is proud to have helped make these leading-edge projects a reality, increasing the Town's waste management capacity and promoting a greener way of life for residents of Ladysmith."

- The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

 

"Protecting our environment is a top priority for our government, and it's encouraging to see investment through the federal Gas Tax Fund making such a positive impact in Ladysmith. This partnership between the Town, the Province and the Government of Canada is ensuring that Ladysmith's harbour will be protected for years to come."

- Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing

"It is crucial that we work together with all levels of government to make sure communities have the infrastructure they need to deliver the services residents rely on. Because of this partnership through the federal Gas Tax Fund, people in Ladysmith know their local environment will be better protected thanks to new and innovative facilities."

- Doug Routley, MLA for Nanaimo-North Cowichan

 

"FCM is proud to help communities like the Town of Ladysmith lead the way on the triple bottom line -- environmental, social and economic sustainability. Projects like these have a tangible impact on both the environment and the lives of local residents. At the same time, this is the kind of local innovation that can inspire other communities on the path to a greener Canada."

- Vicki-May Hamm, FCM President

 

"Federal investments through the Gas Tax Fund are supporting the upgrading and expansion of core infrastructure in communities across British Columbia. Local residents will benefit from these upgrades for generations."

- Director Wendy Booth, President, Union of BC Municipalities

 

"Ladysmith's world class bio-solids facility and wastewater treatment plant, the latter of which was recently honoured with an award for engineering excellence, are excellent examples of how innovative infrastructure can provide a variety of sustainable benefits for communities.”

- Ladysmith Mayor Aaron Stone


Links

To learn more about the federal Gas Tax Fund visit: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/gtf-fte-eng.html.

To learn more about the Green Municipal Fund visit:
https://fcm.ca/home/programs/green-municipal-fund/about-gmf.htm

To learn more about Ladysmith's wastewater treatment plant and bio-solids facility visit: www.ladysmith.ca

 

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Contacts

Mayor Aaron Stone

Town of Ladysmith

250-245-6403

mayor@ladysmith.ca