Armstrong, BC – John Baird, Canada’s Transport and Infrastructure Minister, along with B.C. Community Development Minister, Kevin Krueger, recently announced federal and provincial support for the development of up to 161 community infrastructure projects that will create jobs and help build stronger communities through a joint investment of close to $48 million.

Today, MP Colin Mayes and MLA George Abbott announced $400,000 in funding for the replacement and upgrade of the Armstrong/Spallumcheen swimming pool as part of the Towns for Tomorrow program. This project involves the installation new change rooms and lifeguard outbuildings as well as the replacement of the pool.  This project will increase accessibility to the pool for seniors and persons with disabilities.

“Projects like this allow us to get shovels in the ground and create jobs in 2009” said MP Colin Mayes, Okanagan-Shuswap.

“This funding facilitates important local infrastructure development,” said Shuswap MLA George Abbott. “We are supporting local jobs through the construction of the new pool as well as additional projects that will come as a result of the funding to the community.”

“The Towns for Tomorrow Grant was crucial to allow the Armstrong/Spallumcheen swimming pool project to move forward,” said Mayor Chris Pieper.  “Both Communities had said they would not be able to fund the pool in 2009 if it was not forthcoming.  We are very grateful for this commitment from the other levels of Government.”

“It is wonderful for the funding to be made available for Armstrong and Spallumcheen.   The outdoor pool is actively used by the children, students, seniors and all residents; the Township is very appreciative of the financial support to achieve the replacement of this facility” said Mayor Will Hansma.

The Government of Canada’s contribution to the Towns for Tomorrow and LocalMotion programs is conditional on the projects meeting all the federal requirements for infrastructure funding and the successful signing of a contribution agreement with the province. 

Towns for Tomorrow supports the infrastructure needs of communities under 15,000 and LocalMotion provides funding for projects such as trails, bike lanes and pathways. To learn more about both programs visit: www.townsfortomorrow.gov.bc.ca and www.localmotion.gov.bc.ca.