Government funding allocated for upgrades to Squamish Recreation Centre and Dike

The Brennan Park Recreation Centre in the District of Squamish, B.C. is set to undergo significant upgrades, thanks to a combined investment of over $19 million from the federal and provincial governments as well as the District of Squamish. MP Patrick Weiler, MLA Susie Chant, and Mayor Armand Hurford announced the funding, which will focus on enhancing the building envelope to improve energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The project will involve upgrading approximately 153 meters of the building’s exterior, including windows, doors, insulation, air barriers, seismic performance, electrical systems, and signage. These improvements are expected to lower heating and cooling costs while also minimizing the building’s environmental impact. This initial phase of construction is just the beginning, with several more phases planned over the next two years to fully retrofit the facility.

In addition to upgrades at the recreation centre, the Squamish River Dike at Jimmy Jimmy (Judd) Slough is also set to undergo improvements to enhance flood protection standards in the community. This project will involve raising 900 meters of the dike on private land between the Wai’wakum Reserve and Aik’wuck’s, widening the dike crest from four meters to six meters, providing rip-rap erosion protection, adding a new vehicle turnout, and upgrading one access ramp.

Minister of emergency management and climate readiness, Bowinn Ma, emphasized the importance of taking action to future-proof vulnerable communities in British Columbia in the face of climate change. The improvements to the Squamish River dike will better protect residents and areas around Wai’wakum Reserve and Aik’wuk’sin from the impacts of climate change for years to come.

With these investments and upgrades, the District of Squamish is taking proactive steps to improve infrastructure resilience, energy efficiency, and environmental sustainability for the benefit of its residents and the surrounding community.

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Ottawa, Ontario reach agreement on housing funding following lengthy disagreement

In a recent development, Ontario and Ottawa have finally come to a resolution under the national housing strategy, unlocking $357 million in federal funding for the province. This agreement comes after a prolonged period of negotiation and disagreement over Ontario’s affordable housing targets.

Previously, Ottawa had threatened to withhold affordable housing funding from Ontario due to perceived deficiencies in the province’s targets and action plan. As a result, the federal government had considered bypassing the provincial government and allocating the funds directly to municipalities.

However, after much deliberation, Ontario has presented a revised action plan that addresses the concerns raised by Ottawa. This updated plan includes more detailed data and insights into the housing projects that have been supported by provincial investment.

This news signifies a positive step forward in securing much-needed funding for affordable housing initiatives in Ontario. By working together and finding common ground, both levels of government are demonstrating their commitment to addressing the housing crisis in the province.

With this new agreement in place, it is expected that the $357 million in federal funding will now be allocated to support various housing projects in Ontario. This funding will undoubtedly have a significant impact on improving housing accessibility and affordability for residents across the province.

Overall, this development is a clear example of the importance of collaboration and communication between government levels to achieve common goals. Moving forward, it will be essential for Ontario and Ottawa to continue working together to ensure that all residents have access to safe and affordable housing.

In conclusion, this agreement marks a significant milestone in Ontario’s efforts to address the affordable housing crisis. By resolving their differences and reaching a compromise, Ontario and Ottawa have unlocked much-needed funding that will benefit communities across the province.

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B.C. allocates over $250 million in funding to expand heat pump program

The Province of British Columbia and the federal government have joined forces to facilitate the widespread adoption of heat pumps in British Columbia. With funding from Environment and Climate Change Canada and Energy and Natural Resources Canada, residents now have the opportunity to transition from oil, propane, or natural gas heating systems to cleaner alternatives like heat pumps. This initiative is a part of the CleanBC Better Homes Energy Savings Program, which aims to support income-qualified homeowners and tenants in upgrading their buildings to promote energy efficiency.

The federal government will contribute up to $103.7 million from Canada’s Low Carbon Economy Fund and the Oil to Heat Pump Affordability (OHPA) program, while the provincial government will invest up to $151 million. Through the OHPA program, eligible applicants can receive rebates of up to $16,000 to switch to high-efficiency heat pumps in homes currently using oil heating. This financial support extends to homes using natural gas and propane heating systems as well.

Northern B.C. residents who qualify for the program can also access an additional $3,000 towards heat pump installation, including necessary electrical upgrades. As an added incentive, successful OHPA applicants who transition from oil heating to electric heat pumps will receive a one-time payment of $250 from the federal government.

With these new funding initiatives and incentives in place, the transition to heat pumps is not only financially viable but also beneficial for the environment. By encouraging the use of cleaner heating and cooling options, the Province of British Columbia and the federal government are taking a significant step towards reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Residents are encouraged to take advantage of these opportunities to make their homes more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.

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