BURNABY – New Democrat MLAs Katrina Chen, Janet Routledge, Raj Chouhan, and Anne Kang say that an historic investment of nearly $29 million for the City of Burnaby will enable the community to fund key projects, ensuring that people have services they can rely on as populations grow.
“Local governments provide the services and infrastructure we all rely on,” says Katrina Chen, MLA for Burnaby-Lougheed. “These much-needed new investments for our municipal partners that will support them to better serve people in our community.”
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.
“I am glad that our provincial government is investing in local services and infrastructure for Burnaby,” said Janet Routledge, MLA for Burnaby-North. “This support will help keep our community thriving.”
In Burnaby, the City of Burnaby is receiving $28,784,000.
“More people than ever are choosing Burnaby as their home,” said Raj Chouhan, MLA for Burnaby-Edmonds. “It is important to ensure that everyone can access the same quality of services our community already enjoys.”
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).
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“Addressing B.C.’s housing crisis requires a variety of responses, which includes increasing the supply of available housing which requires investments in community infrastructure and amenities,” says Anne Kang, MLA for Burnaby-Deer Lake and Minister of Municipal Affairs. “Today’s announcement demonstrates a cross-government cooperation to address different aspects of the housing crisis, ensuring communities thrive.”
Learn More: https://news.gov.bc.ca/28303