B.C. communities see $1 billion in grants to help build infrastructure: Gov’t

Premier David Eby was in Surrey Friday morning to announce $1 billion in new grants for local governments in B.C. to build more infrastructure, like recreation facilities and sidewalks, to help keep up with the growing population.

“Communities don’t have the roads, the arenas, and the wastewater treatment facilities that we know we need. And so in response to global economic headwinds, and just the general need for more facilities, we’ll continue to make smart investments today that will make the community stronger,” he said.

“These grants will be available to all 188 of B.C.’s municipalities, and regional districts, which they can use to address their own unique needs.”

Eby says the money for the one-time grant came from the province’s $5.7 billion dollar surplus and is meant to help keep municipal property taxes low.

“We’re putting a lot of faith into local governments, into regional districts, to know what the priorities are in their communities,” he said.

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“B.C.’s strong economy and natural beauty continue to attract people from across Canada and around the world. Cities and towns need support to build thriving, livable communities,” he said.

The government says in a statement that the new Growing Communities Fund will help with road improvements, building arenas, and water treatment plants, so that communities can “prepare for future growth and build to the amenities needed to support new home construction.”

Minister of Municipal Affairs Anne Kang says the fund is a further step in tackling the provincial housing crisis.

“Addressing B.C.’s housing crisis requires a variety of responses, including increasing the supply of available housing which, in many communities in B.C., requires investments in community infrastructure and amenities,” Kang said.

Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke says in a release that she is grateful for the money, as Surrey is “the fastest-growing city in the province.”

“With that growth, we have an opportunity and a responsibility to work together to create livable communities and create a variety of housing options. This investment will ensure the quality of life in Surrey is not only maintained but improved. From recreation facilities to parks to roads, this investment will benefit the residents of Surrey both now and well into the future,” she said.