Mission received nearly $1.7 million from the federal government’s Gas Tax Fund last year, spending the monies on a wide range of community projects.
The Gas Tax Fund, which has been recently renamed the Canada Community-Building Fund, is a twice-annual source of funding to support local infrastructure projects. Over $2 billion a year is provided for 3,600 communities, according to the federal government’s website.
“Mission is grateful for the additional capital funding from the Gas Tax Fund,” said Mayor Paul Horn, “Our aim has been to invest in priority areas identified by the community, including our new senior facilities and projects to improve pedestrian and transit safety.”
The city says the funding was spent on the following municipal projects:
• Sidewalk and Walkway Improvements –sidewalks were widened, traffic calming measures were introduced, a new bus stop was added as part of the Draper Street Improvement Project.
• Road Paving Program – asphalt was replaced in various locations throughout the City, including Draper Street, Dewdney Trunk Road, and Campbell Street.
• 2nd Avenue Transit Exchange had improved street lighting and two additional bus shelters.
• An asset management study enabled the City to track capital assets and equipment.
• The Boswyk Centre provided seniors with a community centre.
“From improved walking infrastructure to support for our seniors, I am excited by the projects the City of Mission allocated these federal funds to,” said Brad Vis, M.P. for Mission–Matsqui–Fraser Canyon. “Made permanent by the Conservative government in 2011, the federal Gas Tax Fund empowers communities across the country to make their own decisions on projects that meet local infrastructure needs.”
“These community-led projects make Mission more walkable, affordable, accessible and comfortable,” said Pam Alexis, MLA for Abbotsford-Mission.
“From creating safer roads and sidewalks for pedestrians and drivers to investing in the Boswyk Centre, which provides affordable housing and a community centre for seniors – these projects make Mission an even better place to live now and for years to come.”
