October 23, 2009
Governments Fund $7.3 Million in Surrey Flood Protection

SURREY – Canada, B.C. and the City of Surrey have approved a joint investment of $7.3 million through the Building Canada Fund.  The Fraser River Flood Protection Works project will provide lasting flood protection for the area and create local jobs.

“This announcement is great news for Surrey and is long overdue.  The joint investment by the Governments of Canada and British Columbia, and the City of Surrey will not only provide much needed improvements to the local area, but will better protect our community by ensuring the best protection against floods is available,” says Surrey North MP Dona Cadman.  “Surrey residents have and will continue to benefit on projects such as this because of the strong collaborative relationship that exists between all three levels of Government in British Columbia.”

“I am proud that the Government of Canada is committing $2.43 million to build flood protection walls along the Fraser River,” says Fleetwood-Port Kells MP Nina Grewal. “Not only will this investment help keep homes and families safe, it will also create immediate jobs that our community needs.”

“Our government is proud to contribute to the construction of these new flood control measures along the Fraser River,” says South Surrey-White Rock-Cloverdale MP Russ Hiebert. “With this project, we are investing in needed construction jobs for B.C. right now, while acting prudently for the future to protect our communities and industries along the river.”

“This funding will support the City of Surrey by improving public safety and preventing future flood damage,” says Surrey-Tynehead MLA Dave S. Hayer. “We will be able to better protect homes, businesses and other buildings along the Fraser's banks.”

“Continued investment in flood infrastructure is vital to a growing community like Surrey,” says Surrey-Cloverdale MLA Kevin Falcon. “These projects meet the needs of residents and provide jobs during a time of tough economic challenges.”

“It is through a strong, collaborate relationship that our governments can come together to make such vital investments,” says Surrey-Panorama MLA Stephanie Cadieux. “This partnership makes Surrey a stronger and safer community.”

The combined Federal, Provincial and Municipal funds will provide $7.3 million to complete construction on a new dike along a 3000 metre section of the Fraser River, from Pattullo Bridge to 130 Street.  The dike will consist of 1720 metres of earth dike and 1280 metres of floodwall, built to current flood control levels.

“Construction of a new dike in partnership with the Provincial and Federal governments will not only create jobs in Surrey but will also mitigate flood risk for Surrey residents,” says Surrey Mayor Dianne Watts.  “Infrastructure projects like this play an important role in stimulating our economy and ensuring that Surrey is well equipped to move forward.”

This builds on a recent joint federal-provincial infrastructure funding announcement of $30 million for the creation of a new Surrey City Centre Library; a new 65,000 square foot building that will enhance the Civic Centre, the site of the new Surrey City Hall, and reach Surrey's diverse communities, offering services to all.

The Government of Canada's 2009 Economic Action Plan includes a vast array of initiatives to help to stimulate the economy, create jobs, build consumer confidence and assist Canadians when they need it most during this global economic recession.  New large-scale infrastructure programs are one important element of this plan.

The project is funded under the Province's three-year, $14-billion capital infrastructure program that will create up to 88,000 jobs and help build vital public infrastructure in every region of B.C.

For more information on the Building Canada plan, visit www.buildingcanada.gc.ca or www.bcbuildingcanadafundcommunities.ca. Information on the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund is available at www.creatingjobs.gc.ca.

To find out more about how the Government of Canada and CMHC are working to build stronger homes and communities for all Canadians, call CMHC at 1-800-668-2642 or visit www.cmhc.ca/housingactionplan.  For more information on Canada’s Economic Action Plan, call 1-800-O Canada or visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.

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