The City of Richmond is among four communities across the province receiving upgrades to their water infrastructure after a combined investment of more than $7.6 million from the federal and provincial governments, and municipal partners.
Richmond will receive over $2.3M for upgrades at Minoru Park Lakes including construction of a new stormwater detention pond, ditch improvements, and installation of a recirculating pump and a wet well to enhance the stormwater management system for increased storage and treatment.
“For over four decades, Minoru Lakes Park has been an important and popular location for residents and visitors to enjoy nature in the middle of our growing city,” said Mayor Malcolm Brodie. “This infrastructure funding has helped to support upgrades to make the park and lake an even more inviting location that is welcoming to people of all ages.”
The improvements will help maintain cleaner waterways, minimize the risk of flooding, and enhance pathway connections around the lake, which reopened to the public last year after a major facelift. When completed, these enhancements will promote safety and comfort for visitors, foster community connections to nature, and preserve local ecosystems.
The projects were announced at Minoru Park Lakes with representatives of federal, provincial and municipal governments present.
The federal government is investing $3.07M in four projects through the Green Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. The Government of British Columbia is investing $2.5M, and the municipalities are contributing a combined $2.05M.
“A brighter future for British Columbia starts with investments in critical water infrastructure,” said Wilson Miao, MP for Richmond Centre. “Today's announcement of close to $8 million for four water infrastructure projects in Richmond and across the province will protect our communities, safeguard local waterways and ecosystems, preserve critical infrastructure, and ensure the continuity of essential services. These projects exemplify our commitment to collaborating with our partners to build more resilient communities and enhance the livelihoods of Canadians."
Speaking on behalf of the provincial government, the Hon. Anne Kang, Minister of Municipal Affairs, said: “Investment in infrastructure that provides safe drinking water and improves stormwater systems, management and treatment is vital for communities like Richmond. I’m proud that all levels of government are working together to ensure communities across B.C. have sustainable water solutions that improve people’s quality of life for generations to come.”
The Green Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program contributes to building greener communities by reducing air and water pollution, providing clean water, increasing resilience to climate change, and fostering a clean-growth economy.
Over 133 infrastructure projects have been announced under the Green Infrastructure Stream in British Columbia, with a total federal contribution of more than $554 million and a total provincial contribution of nearly $384 million.
Associated Links
Investing in Canada: Canada’s Long-Term Infrastructure Plan
Green Infrastructure Stream
Federal infrastructure investments in British Columbia:
Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada - Infrastructure in British Columbia
Strengthened Climate Plan