January 6, 2010

Infrastructure

Vancouver gets its share of stimulus cash

RICHARD GILBERT

staff writer

The construction of a wide range of infrastructure projects in Vancouver received a much needed kick-start from $30 million in funding from the federal government.

Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway Stockwell Day and Vancouver deputy mayor George Chow announced funding for 26 shovel-ready infrastructure projects on Dec. 22.

“The beauty of this announcement is that the work is much needed for the industry,” said Philip Hochstein, president of the Independent Contractors and Businesses Association (ICBA).

“Two good things really stand out with these projects. First, there is a diversity of projects, so it will not just help road builders. It will help a diverse group such as utility and building contractors.”

The construction projects include improving local roads, trails, municipal buildings, water and wastewater systems and other facilities in Vancouver.

“The contracts are relatively small and could help the smaller contractors, who don’t need as much to get them through the hard times,” explained Hochstein.

“The mix was diverse and there will be both small and large contractors working on these projects.”

The total investment is valued at almost $86 million, with a federal share of more than $30 million and about $56 million provided by the city.

“There is a direct link between the livability of a city and the quality of its infrastructure,” said Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson. “We worked hard to get these projects shovel-ready, and we look forward to completing them on time and the benefits they’ll bring. It’s great, especially in these tough economic times, that we’re getting support from our partners in the federal government to invest in our city.”

Sewer and water upgrades will receive $36 million.

The two biggest federal contributions will go to the Upper Trout Lake east and west sewer separations, projects, which will each receive grants of $3,333,300 and cost $10 million.

About $16 million will be invested on road improvements, including repaving in Queen Elizabeth Park.

About $13 million is being invested on municipal buildings, including $1 million for the $3-million in renovations to the Orpheum Theatre.

There will also be money for work on the heritage exterior of City Hall, as well as a new police forensic centre.

More than $14 million will be spent on Stanley Park for various projects, including $2 million for the rehabilitation of the Brockton Point Lighthouse and $1 million for improvements to the sea wall from English Bay to Sunset Beach.

Another $300,000 will be spent on the $600,000 upgrade of the Malkin Bowl Performance Centre and $250,000 for the $500,000 upgrade of the Stanley Park pavilion and field house.

This announcement was made as part of the Government of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, and specifically as part of the new $4-billion Infrastructure Stimulus Fund.

Under this program, provincial, territorial, municipal and community infrastructure projects across the country will be built over the next two years (2009-10 and 2010-11).

The program gives priority to the rehabilitation of existing infrastructure assets, but new construction is eligible provided it can be completed by March 31, 2011.

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