The District of Squamish will receive close to $1 million in federal and provincial funding for everything from playgrounds to the construction of a community pavilion, announced regional politicians from all levels of government Tuesday (March 17).
West Vancouver MP John Weston, West Vancouver MLA Joan McIntyre and Mayor Greg Gardner joined forces at the Adventure Centre for the big announcement.
"This is a historical time in our country because of the economic recession and as a result we are working with the District of Squamish is ways that have never happened before to strengthen the local economy and keep British Columbians working," Weston said.
Squamish will receive $375,000 federal and provincial funding from the Towns of Tomorrow program to construct the O'Siem Community Pavilion, which will be used for community celebrations and social gatherings where a former pavilion in downtown Squamish had been.
Towns for Tomorrow is a five-year, $71 million program that helps smaller communities and regional district with infrastructure projects. The program provides up to 75 per cent of the funding for projects such as the community pavilion. "Through strategic investment we are helping communities accomplish objectives and priorities" McIntyre said in a press release.
The district will also receive $563,737 through the first instalment of the province's strategic community investment fund. The funds include $280,196 in small community grants to support basic services, as well as $282,541 from the Traffic Revenue Sharing program to enhance policing and community based safety programs.
Squamish's commitment to the goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2012 resulted in yet another funding announcement of $4,530 from the Climate Action Revenue Incentive program. The program provides local governments with grants to offset 100 per cent of the carbon tax they have paid for fossil fuel purchases.
"These grants are important steps to ensuring we live in a healthy, sustainable and vibrant community in Squamish," said Gardner. "This speaks about the importance of partnerships in all levels of government."
McIntyre continued the funding parade with $38,000 in gaming grants to be used for updated playground equipment at Squamish schools."Playgrounds provide valuable resources for children to take part in a diverse assortment of activities," McIntyre said.
The Cedar Valley School Parents Advisory Council (PAC) will be receiving $18,000 to build/install: a five foot high wooden structure with rope ladders, wooden panel climbers with a playhouse beneath; a climbing boulder; tether ball pole; 10 x 12 m raised playing surface beneath structures bordered with landscape logs and stumps of various heights for balancing.
The Stawamus Elementary School PAC will be receiving $20,000 for the replacement of outdated and unsafe playground equipment. Much of the equipment dates from approximately 1965. Some additional structures were added after that time, but wooden components of these have become unsafe and the equipment has been removed.
The BC Lions Society for Children with Disabilities also benefitted from the provincial government funding spree. The government allocated $79.633 for Camp Squamish, a free residential camp for disabled kids. Of the total grant, $32,706 will be used for a new laundry room construction to house commercial laundry equipment. Also, $46,927 will be used for the pool building's re-roofing to replace a leaking roof and curled shingles.
"Camp Squamish continues to provide exceptional opportunities for children to have fun in the outdoors around Squamish and helps them focus on their abilities instead of their disabilities," McIntyre said.
