KAMLOOPS – Barriere and Clearwater are receiving $400,000 each through the provincial government’s Towns for Tomorrow program.

Why this matters:

· The proposed work in Barriere involves the installation of approximately 500 water meters, and conversion of 80 meters from touch-read to remote read.

·  This will result in significantly reduced water usage.

·The proposed work in Clearwater involves extensive upgrades to the Russell Creek Water System.

· The project will upgrade the level of treatment for three water systems in Clearwater from chlorination to UV disinfection, ensuring that safe drinking water is provided in accordance with the Drinking Water Protection Act.

“Communities like Barriere and Clearwater may not have the population of cities like Kamloops, but have to deal with many of the same issues and challenges with significantly fewer resources. Funding like the Towns for Tomorrow program makes a real difference for smaller communities,” said Kamloops-North Thompson MLA Terry Lake.

Quick Facts:

·  Towns for Tomorrow was initially established in 2007 as a three-year, $21 million program for communities with populations up to 5,000.

·   In 2008, the program was expanded from three to five years and the parameters were changed to include regional districts and communities of 5,000 to 15,000 residents.

· This program has provided close to $70 million to smaller communities throughout B.C.

·  These projects are two of 47 that are benefiting from a total investment of $17.2 million through the last round of Towns for Tomorrow funding.

·  With this final round of grants, the program has now funded 201 infrastructure projects in smaller communities throughout the province.

·  Communities with a population under 5,000 are receiving up to 80 per cent provincial funding, to a maximum contribution of $400,000 for approved projects. Communities with populations from 5,000 to 15,000 are getting up to 75 percent to a maximum provincial contribution of $375,000.

· Towns for Tomorrow funding is intended to support the development or improvement of local infrastructure. Eligible projects include those related to water quality, wastewater, environmental energy improvements, local roads, recreation, culture, tourism, public transit, protective and emergency services infrastructure and community development.

Clearwater Times