File Photo (Image Credit: CFJC Today)
By Abbotsford Mission MLA Pam Alexis
Sound Off

SOUND OFF: Infrastructure funding will bring jobs and support our recovery

Mar 3, 2021 | 10:58 AM

FOR MOST PEOPLE, the word infrastructure doesn’t create a whole lot of excitement. It’s a vague term that makes you think of heavy machinery and confusing acronyms. It doesn’t sound like something that will really impact your life.

But new funding for infrastructure is going to make a real difference for people in Kamloops and in communities across B.C.

As we all continue to deal with impacts of COVID-19, getting people back to work is one of our government’s top priorities. And that is why New Democrats are providing $100 million dollars in grants for shovel-ready infrastructure projects across the province.

With these grants, local governments, First Nations, regional districts and non-profit organizations will be able to hire B.C. workers for projects that will improve their community. It’s really a win-win scenario, as we create jobs across the province and make upgrades and improvements that people will enjoy for years to come.

Our government has provided $800,000 to the Greater Kamloops Motorcycle Association for upgrades to the Duffy Lake Rec Site. They’ll be increasing day-use parking, improving trails and continuing to provide a high-quality, COVID-19 safe public campground.

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The City of Kamloops is receiving nearly $500,000 for interior and exterior restoration of the Old Courthouse, including work on the slate roof, woodwork and retaining walls.

The Kamloops Wildlife Park will be getting nearly $150,000 to improve the experience of visitors, including paving pathways, renovating outdoor washrooms, installing park maps and supplying the park with five electric mobility wheelchairs.

Tk’emlups te Secwepemc will be receiving over $250,000 for upgrades to the HVAC and electrical system at the Museum and Heritage Park, to support conserving and celebrating the heritage and culture of the Secwepemc Nation and telling their stories to visitors.

These are just a few examples of the hundreds of projects we’re supporting around the province. Every one of them will create jobs for people and make our communities better places to live, and many will also help attract tourism when it is safe to travel again, giving an extra boost to one of our hardest-hit industries.

Our economic recovery is not about helping out those at the top. We’re committed to making sure that our economy works for everyone, in all communities across B.C.

By supporting local infrastructure, we are creating and restoring jobs and helping people, businesses and communities to recover and come out of the pandemic stronger and better prepared.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group.

by Abbotsford Mission MLA Pam Alexis

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