January 10, 2023

Town of Sidney benefits from Canada Community-Building Fund

Sidney, B.C.

Sidney Mayor and Council wish to acknowledge the ongoing community benefits derived through the receipt and use of Canada Community-Building Fund (CCBF) transfers.

The Canada Community-Building Fund is now in its 19th year of delivering funding to local government infrastructure and capacity-building projects in British Columbia. During that time, the fund has transferred over $4.3 billion to B.C. communities.

Since the inception of the program, the Town of Sidney has received close to $8.3 million in funding, and used over $6 million on eligible projects to benefit the community. The major categories for eligible projects include: Local Roads and Active Transportation; Sport and Recreation Infrastructure; Wastewater and Storm Water; and Drinking Water.

The most significant Canada Community-Building Fund projects undertaken in Sidney this past year enhanced the Town’s tourism and recreation infrastructure, as well as the transporation network, including active transportation. Significant projects in 2022 included a roof replacement on the Tourist Information Centre ($45,000), investigation and design for remedial works on the Bevan Fishing Pier ($51,000), plus $40,000 toward several active transporation projects such as the development of a new sidewalk on Brethourpark Way.

Quotes:

“For nearly two decades, the Canada Community-Building Fund (CCBF), formerly known as the Gas Tax Fund, has been helping improve the quality and reliability of our local infrastructure. During this time, we have seen examples of incredible innovation and collaboration which have kept communities vibrant and healthy. Our Government will continue to deliver CCBF funds to communities across Canada, improving residents’ quality of life, developing essential services, and helping businesses prosper.”

The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities.

“I would like to congratulate the Town of Sidney for its use of Canada Community Building Fund allocations in 2022. The pandemic highlighted the importance of improving outdoor amenities for our communities. Last year, the Town of Sidney used this fund to its full potential by maintaining outdoor infrastructure and creating active, environmentally friendly opportunities for residents. I look forward to working with them in the future.”

Anne Kang, Minister of Municipal Affairs

“Sidney Council is grateful for ongoing funding from the federal government through the Canada Community-Building Fund, which assists the Town in maintaining, improving, and adding new infrastructure for active transportation, tourism, recreation, roads, and water. We also appreciate the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) work to administer the program in BC on behalf of local governments. It has been heartening over the past year to see the Town use this funding to move forward on specific active transportation, tourism, and recreation priorities.”

Cliff McNeil-Smith, Mayor of Sidney

Media Contact:

Mayor Cliff McNeil-Smith
Town of Sidney
250-656-1139
mayor@sidney.ca