Williams Lake hosted a federal minister June 29, 2023 to announce $5.5 million in infrastructure funding for seven projects in the central and northern regions of B.C.
The funding is a collaboration between both the provincial and federal governments, with $3,524,082 in federal funds plus $2,042,150 in provincial dollars.
The Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex will be seeing upgrades as one of the projects included in the funding announcement.
Williams Lake will receive $258,000 in funding towards improvements to recover waste heat from the arena refrigeration system to heat the pool via upgrades to the HVAC system. The upgrades will improve air quality and lower operating costs for the facility as well as cut the greenhouse gas emissions for the building by more than half.
Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada Harjit S. Sajjan, made the announcement in the Gibraltar Room.
Sajjan, who lived in 100 Mile House when his family first came to Canada, said the funds will help to create vibrant communities.
“These facilities are the foundation of a prosperous community,” he said.
In the northern part of the province, funds will support improvements in ventilation for a social housing complex and four schools in Prince George and Prince Rupert. In the south central part of the province, Merritt will be able to complete 1.5 km of multi-use asphalt pathway to provide students with safer active transportation infrastructure.
Member of Parliament Todd Doherty, Mayor Surinderpal Rathor, Coun. Scott Nelson, Coun. Michael Moses and Coun. Joan Flaspohler as well as Regional District director Steve Forseth were all on hand for the announcement.
Mayor Rathor thanked Min. Sajjan for the funding and said the upgrades will make Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex one of the most energy-efficient centres of its kind in Canada and could save the municipality and taxpayers up to $35,000 per year.
“This community is committed to working with all levels of government together,” said Rathor.
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