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City optimistic for infrastructure cash after federal minister visits Nanaimo

Aug 3, 2017 | 4:33 PM

NANAIMO — Improving infrastructure was on the mind of local politicians as the federal minister responsible for the file visited Nanaimo.

Minister of Infrastructure and Communities Amarjeet Sohi met with Nanaimo Council Thursday before touring a massive $80 million wastewater treatment project at the Greater Nanaimo Pollution Control Centre (GNPCC) in Hammond Bay.

Following the tour, Minister Sohi said nearly $180 billion is available over the next decade to support a wide range of local government infrastructure needs across the country.

“We will not compromise in any way the needs that exist throughout the various sizes of communities, picking one size or one community over another.”

Sohi said an increase of funding over an extended period will be a big asset for municipalities and provinces.

“They can develop their own long-term plans to match with the federal long-term plans.”

Improvements and expansion of the GNPCC, which includes increasing the cleanliness of treated wastewater before it’s sent into the ocean, are slated to be finished in 2019.

Mayor Bill McKay said there are a variety of projects where a larger pot of infrastructure dollars could boost initiatives in Nanaimo. He noted improving the Wellcox Yard site, expanding the Port Theatre and an extremely popular downtown pedestrian route come to mind.

“(The) waterfront walkway is a perfect example of that, little bits here and there are going to make a big difference for us,” McKay said.

The City loosely estimated it will cost $2.5 million to add 1.5 km of connecting pieces to the waterfront walkway in 2018, which is not in their current financial plan. In May, Council approved an application for federal money for the project through the Gas Tax Fund.

 

ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes