People in Mid Island-Pacific Rim to benefit from hydropower project and new community centres

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PORT ALBERNI – New Democrat MLA Scott Fraser says that people in Mid Island-Pacific Rim will benefit from a new hydropower project and better access to community centres, thanks to a new joint provincial-federal investment of over $10 million for six projects.

“In partnership with the federal government, we are investing in infrastructure that will strengthen our local communities,” said Fraser, MLA for Mid Island-Pacific Rim. “The construction of the Ahtaapq Creek Hydropower Project will support the Hesquiaht First Nation in their transition to cleaner energy sources and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. New cultural gathering places are coming to the Huu-ay-aht and Toquaht First Nations and a new Matsquiaht Dock is coming to Meares Island on the territory of the Ahousaht First Nation. We’re also investing in a community centre in Bamfield as well as upgrades to the lighthouse in Ucluelet to allow for safe storm watching.”

Fraser says total funding amounts to $10,010,955 for six projects:

  • Huu-ay-aht First Nations: Community Cultural Center ($1,793,250)
  • Ucluelet: Amphitrite Point Project ($997,874)
  • Bamfield: Bamfield Community Hall ($1,010,377)
  • Maaqutusiis Hahoulthee Stewardship Society: Matsquiaht Dock Project, Meares Island, Clayoquot Sound ($545,454)
  • Toquaht Nation: t̓uk̓ʷaaʔatḥiic hišimyiły̓ak – Toquaht Gathering Place ($1,664,000)
  • Hesquiaht First Nation: Ahtaapq Creek Hydropower Project ($4,000,000)

This local funding is part of over $228 million in grants going to B.C. communities through the first intake of Community, Culture and Recreation and Rural & Northern Communities streams of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP), a provincial-federal cost-sharing program that makes investments in community and green infrastructure. The Province of B.C. has committed nearly $62 million of the total funding for this intake.

The second intake for both streams was announced on June 25, with nearly $160 million in combined funding available for projects.

Investments made through ICIP are designed to create economic growth, sustain well-paying jobs, build inclusive communities, and support a low-carbon, green economy.

Learn More: https://news.gov.bc.ca/22556