Hon. Alice Wong, P.C.

A lot of people, especially new residents, do not know that the elevation of the City of Richmond averages around one meter above sea level. This creates some logistical challenges, especially with flood control. Investing in our dikes and drainage systems will help. The price of flood prevention is well worth it. When the infrastructure is doing its job, Richmond continues to function. Only when there is a failure of flood control infrastructure do we tend to notice the infrastructure’s lack of presence.

The best analogy would be a car engine – when you see the “Check engine oil” light turn on, chances are your engine has already taken on some damage. Likewise, we want to make sure that Richmond’s “Check engine oil” light is never turned on, and we do this by making sure our flood protection infrastructure is well maintained.

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GOVERNMENTS FUND MORE THAN $7 MILLION IN RICHMOND FLOOD PROTECTION

RICHMOND – Canada, B.C. and the City of Richmond have approved a joint investment of nearly $7.2 million through the Building Canada Fund and Infrastructure Stimulus Fund. The projects at the Middle Arm Dike and No. 4 Road Drainage Pump Station will provide lasting flood protection for the area and create local jobs.

“Aging infrastructure is a serious, ongoing problem for all municipalities,” says Richmond MP Alice Wong. “The Government of Canada realizes the important role we need to play in funding the necessary upgrades to the No. 4 Road Pump Station and the Fraser River Middle Arm Dike. Flood Protection is such an essential task.”

“This is another example of creating good jobs through infrastructure projects,” says Richmond-Steveston MLA John Yap. “These projects are a great investment in public safety and another strong boost to Richmond’s economy.”

“We were elected to get B.C. through this recession stronger than ever,” says Richmond Centre MLA Rob Howard. “That’s exactly what these types of investments will accomplish. We’re also bringing long-term improvements to our local infrastructure in the process.”

“Each new job is hugely important,” says Richmond East MLA Linda Reid. “They’re important for the people getting back to work. They’re important for the families of these workers. And they’re important for local businesses.”

Combined Federal, Provincial and Municipal funds will provide $4,810,000 for work at the No. 4 Road Drainage Pump Station. This project will conduct a major renovation of an existing drainage pump station and double its current pumping capacity. The upgrades to the station include construction and modification of the existing wet well, construction of a new motor control centre and generator building. The project also includes architectural enhancements and general site restoration and landscaping.

All three levels of government will also provide $2,387,845 for Phase 2 of the Fraser River Middle Arm Dike Upgrade. Approximately 755 linear metres of the dike between Cambie Road and Hollybridge Way will be upgraded. This upgrade will include raising the dike approximately half a metre, increasing the riprap armouring on the river face, and the construction of concrete floodwall retaining structures to act as a flood barrier.

“Upgrading Richmond’s perimeter flood protection is a high priority for our island city,” said Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie. “The City’s dikes and drainage pump stations are fundamental for flood protection and these improvements will help ensure we remain safe from the threat of flood when water levels rise as a result of severe weather, extreme tides or high spring runoffs.”

These projects build on a recent infrastructure funding announcement of more than $10.2 million by Canada, B.C. and the City of Richmond for sewer upgrades and water main replacement.

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.

Since October 2008, some 655 projects worth $4.1 billion have been announced. The projects approved to date are expected to create more than 26,000 direct jobs over three years

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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