This is why the two orders of government are taking decisive action to support families, businesses and communities, and continue to look ahead to see what more can be done.
Today, the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, the Honourable Prasad Panda, Minister of Infrastructure for Alberta, and Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi, announced funding for 8 projects in Alberta.
In Calgary, the Downtown Flood Barrier project will create a new barrier along the south bank of the Bow River to improve flood control. This will be connected to the West Eau Claire and Centre Street Bridge lower deck flood barriers to form a continuous barrier along the Bow River. Another project in Calgary will add a storm water trunk in the Upper Plateau to direct storm water run-off directly into the Bow River and reduce the risk and magnitude of storm water flooding.
The Siksika Nation will build two new drinking water wells to provide a stable source of feed water for the Arthur A. Youngman treatment facility that will meet growing community needs and reduce environmental impacts.
These and the other projects announced today will improve wastewater systems, drinking water treatment, and storm water management systems across the region.
The Government of Canada is investing more than $41.6 million in these projects through the Green Infrastructure Stream (GIS) of the Investing in Canada plan. The Government of Alberta is providing over $39.5 million, while funding applicants are contributing more than $26.4 million.
Quotes
"Investing in essential services like drinking water treatment and flood barriers is key to building resilient communities. The Downtown Flood Barrier project in Calgary and the drinking water wells in Siksika Nation are just two of eight new Alberta projects that will help keep communities safe and healthy while protecting essential public infrastructure. Canada's infrastructure plan invests in thousands of projects, creates jobs across the country, and builds stronger communities."
The Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
"Protecting Alberta residents and businesses from flood damage, most notably protecting downtown Calgary from flooding like we saw in 2013, is a critical measure to safeguard the economy. Additionally, hundreds of Albertans will be employed in building this infrastructure at a time when an economic boost is needed most."
Prasad Panda, Alberta Minister of Infrastructure
"The funding announced today is a major step to fully protecting downtown Calgary businesses and residences from another devastating flood. Completing the Downtown Flood Barrier will create 100 needed jobs, but it will also create peace of mind for so many Calgarians who worry every spring about what could happen. The resilience we're building together in projects like these will protect our economy, our people, and our way of life."
Naheed Nenshi, Mayor of Calgary
Quick facts
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Through the Investing in Canada plan, the Government of Canada is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada's rural and northern communities.
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Since 2015, the Government of Canada has invested $4.9 billion in 338 infrastructure projects across Alberta.
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To support Canadians and communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, a new stream has been added to the over $33-billion Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program to help fund pandemic-resilient infrastructure. Existing program streams have also been adapted to include more eligible project categories.
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The new Canada Healthy Communities Initiative will provide up to $31 million in existing federal funding to support communities as they deploy innovative new ways to adapt spaces and services to respond to immediate and ongoing needs arising from COVID-19 over the next two years.
