The District of Squamish says it is investing $50 million this year in critical infrastructure and facilities, in active transportation, and local climate action plans.
Flood protection:
Flood protection upgrades, storm system repairs and replacements are some of the critical infrastructure District will focus on this year.
This include a $13.7 million investment in the 20 kilometres dike system which includes the Xwu’nekw Park Sea Dike, Jimmy Jimmy (Judd) Slough Culvert Replacement and dike planning and design in the Siyich’em Reserve/Eagle Viewing Area.
Water and Wastewater Infrastructure
Water and wastewater infrastructure will also receive significant investments with $5.5 million allocated to water infrastructure including water system repair and replacement and a new water reservoir, and $13 million in upgrades to wastewater lift stations and a significant upgrade to the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). The $10 million WWTP project is being funded entirely by Development Cost Charges and Reserves
Active Transportation
The District’s Active Transportation improvements will see a $2.4 million investment over the next two years in order to continue the efforts of building an intricate network of safe and practical cycling and walking routes throughout Squamish to help increase use, reduce traffic volume and greenhouse gas production, and improve community health.
District said the planned network will contribute significantly to the Community Climate Action Plan’s Big Move 2, to help residents shift beyond the car, and encourage walking and cycling within and between Squamish neighbourhoods and commercial areas in the coming years.
Facilities upgrade
The plan to upgrade facilities is also being actioned in 2022 with the Tantalus Road Fire Hall next to be replaced with $6 million being invested this year. Construction will begin once the Valleycliffe Fire Hall construction is complete, which is expected by summer. The fire halls are the first two of three critical facilities required to be replaced with the third one being the Public Works Facility.
“The District’s investment into the development of master plans over the last decade has positioned us well to prioritize capital spending to meet the needs of our community today and tomorrow,” says Mayor Karen Elliott.
“Our 10-year capital plan combined with the master plans also enables us to keep our DCC bylaw up-to-date and achieve significant success in receiving provincial and federal grants, because we have clear priorities and shovel-ready plans.”
Residents can review the capital projects lists via the interactive budget tool at Letstalksquamish.ca/budget-2022.
The community is also being invited to the Mayor’s Drop-In with members of Council and District of Squamish staff on Wednesday, April 13 from 12 to 1 pm at Municipal Hall to learn more about the master planning process, how capital plans are prioritized and funded, as well as major capital projects planned for 2022 including facilities upgrades and the Wastewater Treatment Plant project.
RSVP is encouraged to communications@squamish.ca.
Good Job . All that money has been collected over the years , saved for these much needed projects. Who said there is not money going into infrastructure.