CHILLIWACK– New Democrat MLAs Dan Coulter and Kelli Paddon say that an historic investment of over $16 million will enable the community to fund key projects, ensuring that people have services they can rely on as populations grow.

“The importance of high quality, accessible infrastructure and amenities should not be overlooked,’ said Dan Coulter, MLA for Chilliwack. “Our government is making necessary investments into municipalities to ensure that the people of Chilliwack have access to the services they need.”

As communities continue to grow, local governments are having to meet increased strain on infrastructure and amenities including, roads, transit, water and electrical systems, as well as community centers, parks and social services. The Growing Communities Fund is a landmark investment that will see the BCNDP government distribute $1 billion across B.C.’s 188 municipalities and regional districts to support their unique needs. 

The city of Chilliwack will receive 16,392,000.

“Working together with local leaders is a critical part of supporting people in our region, and across the province,” said Kelli Paddon, MLA for Chilliwack-Kent. “We are listening to local governments, who know the needs of their communities best, and providing a boost to help them deliver on the things that people count on.”

This one-time fund supports the Union of BC Municipalities’ (UBCM) 2022 Resolution EB58, Improving Provincial Grant Process, and recommendation five of their 2021 report, Ensuring Local Government Financial Resiliency. The grants are intended to complement, rather than displace, existing infrastructure funding (like sewer, water, roads).