Whistler will have some help from other levels of government to pay for some expensive upcoming water work.
On Friday, May 26, MP Patrick Weiler joined Mayor Jack Crompton and B.C.'s minister of municipal affairs Anne Kang in announcing $4.5 million in funding for Whistler.
The investment will help pay for the South Whistler Water Supply upgrade, for which council awarded a contract worth $2 million to Drake Excavating on May 2.
In total, the feds will provide $2,447,283 and the province $2,039,199 in provincial funding to support the work. "It will also enable the replacement of an existing well pump, the decommissioning of one well and two chlorine dosing systems, and the construction of approximately 600 metres of new water main," according to a release.
"This work will ensure wastewater is properly treated and improve the connection with the Whistler Main system."
Friday's $14-million announcement also included water infrastructure projects in the District of Lantzville, the Village of Kaslo, and the Village of New Denver.
Investing in infrastructure projects that preserve clean water and the environment is "essential to the health and well-being of Canadians and a priority for the Government of Canada," Weiler said in the release.
"The funding announced today will support water infrastructure improvements in communities across British Columbia, including a new, modern water treatment plant for Whistler," he said. "These projects will ensure residents have a high quality of water treatment, helping build cleaner, healthier, and more resilient communities.”
The Resort Municipality of Whistler’s 2023 budget includes more than $14 million in water ($4 million) and sewer ($10 million) upgrades.
“The infrastructure upgrade for south Whistler’s water supply will help us improve our water quality and give the option to share water with Whistler Village and throughout our community, when necessary," Mayor Jack Crompton said in the release. "This upgrade is something we have wanted to put in place for a long time and we are grateful to the federal and provincial governments for their support in bringing the project to fruition.”
Major water and sewer projects on the workplan for 2023 include (but are not limited to): the South Whistler Water Supply upgrade; water system valve and fitting replacement; sewer main and manhole lining; and a roof replacement at the Wastewater Treatment Plant.
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