Photo by Dan Toulgoet
A new agreement between Ottawa and B.C. will see the federal government spend $4.1 billion on infrastructure in the province over the next decade.
Federal Infrastructure Minister Amarjeet Sohi says the money will go to transit, green infrastructure, recreation facilities, and projects in rural and northern communities.
The federal and provincial governments have already reached a deal to fund a $7-billion transit expansion in the Lower Mainland over 10 years, including increased bus service, a SkyTrain along Vancouver’s Broadway corridor and light rail in Surrey.
The federal and provincial governments will each cover 40 per cent of the cost, while the municipalities will raise transit fares, property taxes and other expenses to fill the remaining funding gap.
B.C. Transportation Minister Claire Trevana says the agreement they signed today will see $1.1 billion put toward green infrastructure projects and $157 million will be spent on playgrounds and recreation centres.
Mayors Corrigan and @MayorStewart with Ministers @SohiAmarjeet and @clairetrevena announcing signing of federal-provincial infrastructure funding program that pave the way for 10-Year Vision. Good news. Onwards! pic.twitter.com/GaTicRzrcX
— Mayors' Council (@mayors_council) April 2, 2018
Sohi says various projects funded under the deal will create good jobs and support a greener economy.