March 23, 2009

KELOWNA – The City of Kelowna will benefit from close to $2.4 million in Federal and Provincial funding announced today to help build local infrastructure, enhance community green spaces and invest in public safety projects.

“The Government of Canada is pleased to join with the Province in providing LocalMotion funding for Kelowna, which helps to build local infrastructure, create jobs and encourage physical exercise,” said Ron Cannan, MP for Kelowna-Lake Country. “This is another example of how the federal government is committed to strengthening B.C.’s economy and keeping British Columbians working.”

Kelowna will receive:

• $1,561,137 through the Province’s Strategic Community Investment Fund, a restructuring of provincial grant programs to give communities more funding sooner, including Traffic Fine Revenue.
• $700,000 in federal and provincial LocalMotion funding for the Gordon Drive Multi-purpose Pathway project, which will provide approximately 50,000 residents with non-vehicle based commuting and recreational opportunities.
• $66,754 from the Trees for Tomorrow program for three projects:
• $50,000 for the Mission Recreation Park Wetland and Arboretum Development project
• $4,394 for an Urban Mountain Pine Beetle Replanting project
• $12,360 for the City of Kelowna Memorial Park Tree Planting project
• $33,118 from the Climate Action Revenue Incentive Program – equal to 100 per cent of the carbon tax paid as part of direct expenditures on fossil fuels. Kelowna is one of more than 175 communities that have signed the Climate Action Charter committing to becoming carbon neutral by 2012.

“Our government wants to make sure that communities have the resources they need to provide not only valuable services for residents, but policing and community safety programs,” said Kelowna- Lake Country MLA Al Horning. “As well, through our relationship with the federal government, we can build infrastructure throughout Kelowna to create green and healthy communities and, most importantly, jobs for families.”

“This funding supports Kelowna’s goal for a safe, healthy and active community,” said Kelowna Mayor Sharon Shepherd. “We can continue our investment in off-road pathways and our urban parks and support programs to keep our community safe.”

The LocalMotion project is part of an overall $14-billion capital infrastructure program supported by the Province that will create up to 88,000 jobs and help build vital public infrastructure in every region of B.C.

Beyond this funding announcement, the Government of Canada is taking important steps to support economic growth. Canada’s Economic Action Plan, announced in Budget 2009, is a balanced stimulus plan that includes massive investments in infrastructure, tax relief and transfers. This plan will provide close to $12 billion in new infrastructure stimulus funding over two years which will address needs in communities across Canada, as well as contributing to long-term economic growth through investments in public infrastructure, such as roads, water treatment, green energy and transit.