Federal and provincial investments in water and wastewater infrastructure improvements in southern B.C.

December 7, 2023 – Greenwood, British Columbia

Two communities in southern British Columbia will receive significant upgrades to their drinking water and wastewater infrastructure thanks to an investment of more than $4.5 million from the federal and provincial governments, along with the City of Greenwood and the Village of Keremeos.

Announced by Member of Parliament John Aldag, Minister Anne Kang, Mayor John Bolt, and Mayor Jason Wiebe, these projects will improve municipal services and support a healthier environment in and around these communities.

In Greenwood, funding will replace the existing water reservoir, construct a treatment facility and pump station, and upgrade the water supply well. The new facility, pump station, and associated infrastructure upgrades will include improved filtering and disinfecting systems to ensure that residents have reliable access to high-quality, drinking water.

A project in Keremeos will remove and replace approximately 25 manholes and approximately 12 sections of sanitary gravity collection pipe. The planned replacements will improve the efficiency of the existing sewage infrastructure in the village and mitigate groundwater infiltration, a risk that has become increasingly prevalent in the area due to climate change.

Once complete, these improvements will ensure residents have access to safe and reliable water and wastewater treatment that will also protect the environment and support community development. 

“Investing in projects that help us adapt to the impacts of climate change is critical to building resilient communities. The funding announced today will improve both drinking water and wastewater infrastructure in Greenwood and Keremeos and help them to mitigate new climate-related challenges. We will continue to invest in the infrastructure that keeps our communities safe and healthy well into the future.” – John Aldag, Member of Parliament for Cloverdale – Langley City

Contacts:

Megan Waddington
Constituency Assistant
Office of John Aldag, Member of Parliament
604-575-6595
john.aldag@parl.gc.ca

Governments of Canada and British Columbia invest in wastewater infrastructure improvements in Kimberley

December 4, 2023 – Kimberley, British Columbia

The City of Kimberley will build new wastewater infrastructure after a combined investment of more than $90.6 million from the federal, provincial, and municipal governments.

Announced by Member of Parliament John Aldag, Minister Anne Kang, and Mayor Don McCormick, this project will construct a new wastewater treatment plant in Kimberley. The new plant will replace the aging Pollution Control Centre, built in 1967, which is located in a flood prone area. It will also have measures to make sure that the service is reliable and will take odour control measures to not disturb nearby communities.

Once complete, the plant will provide Kimberley with high-quality, reliable wastewater treatment that minimizes potential environmental impact on the St. Mary River and communities downstream of it. It will also eliminate the risk of flooding to the site.

“Investments in green infrastructure help us to build resilient communities while safeguarding our environment. The funding announced today will not only improve wastewater treatment in Kimberley, but will protect local inhabitants and ecosystems. We will continue investing in the well-being of Canadians and the preservation of our country’s natural assets.” – John Aldag, Member of Parliament for Cloverdale – Langley City

Contacts:

Megan Waddington
Constituency Assistant
Office of John Aldag, Member of Parliament
604-575-6595
john.aldag@parl.gc.ca

The governments of Canada and British Columbia invest in more resilient connections for communities in southeastern B.C.

November 17, 2023 – Golden, British Columbia

Two bridges crossing Kicking Horse River will receive upgrades that make them more resilient to the impacts of climate change, thanks to a combined investment of more than $89.6 million from the governments of Canada and British Columbia. Announced by Member of Parliament John Aldag and Minister Rob Fleming, this project will reduce the risk of damage to essential infrastructure in Golden caused by climate-related events.

Kicking Horse Bridges 1 & 2 cross the river on Highway 95 and act as the sole link for vehicles between the north and south sides of Golden. They also provide a key link between Highways 1 and 3 and several communities along Highway 95 between Golden and Cranbrook. Funding will replace and increase capacity of the Kicking Horse River bridges to withstand the impacts of climate-related events such as ice jams, debris flows, and flooding. The upgrades will prevent the damage and potential loss of important connections that could threaten access to essential goods and services for communities in the area. Project funding will also improve active transportation options on the bridges by constructing multi-use paths that connect to the municipal active transportation network.

Making adaptation investments now will have major economy-wide benefits later. Every dollar that is invested in adapting and preparing for climate-related disasters can return as much as $13 to $15 in benefits.

The federal government will continue investing in infrastructure to continue growing our country’s economy, building resilient communities, and improving the lives of Canadians.

“Our government remains committed to building a more resilient Canada. Infrastructure Canada’s Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund supports proactive improvements to essential public infrastructure that will do exactly that. The funding announced today will reduce the risk of damage caused by climate-related events to two bridges that are integral to the residents of Golden and Highway 95 users. We will continue to invest in disaster and mitigation projects that safeguard Canadians and the infrastructure that keeps our communities running.” – John Aldag, Member of Parliament for Cloverdale – Langley City

Contacts:

Megan Waddington
Constituency Assistant
Office of John Aldag, Member of Parliament
604-575-6595
john.aldag@parl.gc.ca

Langley receives over $260,000 from the Government of Canada to revitalize the downtown core and Willoughby Community Park

November 17, 2023 – Langley, British Columbia

Safe and inclusive public spaces are key to building vibrant communities. They bring together people of all ages and abilities and attract new visitors, supporting local businesses and boosting economic vitality.

Today, John Aldag, Member of Parliament for Cloverdale – Langley City announced more than $260,000 in PacifiCan funding through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund for two public space projects in Langley. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan).

The Township of Langley is receiving $230,000 to create a new plaza at Willoughby Community Park. The plaza is adjacent to the new professional sports field for the Vancouver Football Club. It will provide a public space for visitors to socialize and enjoy food trucks before games and other seasonal events. Project work includes site design and construction, installation of walkways, lighting, seating, and public art.

The Downtown Langley Business Association is receiving $31,320 to install picnic tables and planters in Langley's downtown core to provide visitors with a place to sit outdoors while shopping in the area.

Projects like these help communities and businesses in British Columbia welcome visitors from near and far, improve community wellbeing, create jobs, and grow the local economy.

“Today's announcement means more vibrant spaces for Langley residents to enjoy. Visitors to Langley’s downtown core and Willoughby Community Park will soon be able to enjoy the upgraded amenities and build on the great sense of community in our neighborhoods. I look forward to Langley residents making use of these newly revitalized spaces.” – John Aldag, Member of Parliament for Cloverdale – Langley City

Contacts:

Megan Waddington
Constituency Assistant
Office of John Aldag, Member of Parliament
604-575-6595
john.aldag@parl.gc.ca

✔︎ Bill S-222 (use of wood)

Bill

Bill S-222, An Act to amend the Department of Public Works and Government Services Act (use of wood)

Vote

Yea.

Rationale

The government stands in support of environmental goals and sustainable infrastructure. Our government supported Bill C-354 in 2019 , which was a similar Bill. Given that C-354 was passed by the House of Commons, it is anticipated that S-222 would pass Parliamentary review. This Bill supports the government mandate of greening and reducing GHGs, as well as building a sustainable environmental future.

Passed.

Bill Status

Received Royal Assent

The governments of Canada and British Columbia and the City of Trail invest in energy retrofits in the Trail Memorial Centre

October 10, 2023 – City of Trail, British Columbia

A landmark investment exceeding $3.5 million is set to greenlight an environmental and functional makeover for the Trail Memorial Centre, announced by MP John Aldag, Ministers Anne Kang and George Heyman, alongside Mayor Colleen Jones.

This historic facility will undergo a significant retrofit, integrating its HVAC systems with its boiler and refrigeration units. Aiming to slash greenhouse gas emissions by a remarkable 73%, the upgrade ensures a meld of sustainability with enhanced operational efficiency, diminishing the Centre's natural gas dependency. In essence, this project is not merely a building retrofit. It’s a forward-thinking endeavor to weave sustainability into the community’s beloved sporting and recreational hub.

For more than 70 years, the Trail Memorial Centre has been home to numerous athletes who have grown to national and international fame. The facility, which has hosted many significant hockey games featuring Canadian Men’s and Women’s National Teams, is equipped with two ice surfaces, dressing rooms, a gymnasium, racquetball and squash courts, meeting rooms, a large-scale commercial kitchen facility, and the Hockey Hall of Memories. Once complete, the upgraded facility will be better equipped to serve players, athletes, residents, and visitors alike.

As Canada navigates towards a green future, investments like this intertwine community and heritage, and aim to improve the lives of Canadians.

“Recreation centres play an important role in the health of communities by providing access to vital services and activities, fostering social inclusion and improving the quality of life for residents. Our government’s investment to upgrade the Trail Memorial Centre will make a significant difference in the lives of members of the community. Canada’s infrastructure plan invests in thousands of projects, creates jobs across the country, and builds cleaner, more inclusive communities.” – John Aldag, Member of Parliament for Cloverdale – Langley City

Contacts:

Megan Waddington
Constituency Assistant
Office of John Aldag, Member of Parliament
604-575-6595
john.aldag@parl.gc.ca

The governments of Canada and British Columbia invest in the Montrose Exchange in Abbotsford

28 August, 2023 – British Columbia

Today, the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, the Honourable Rob Fleming, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, and Erinn Pinkerton, BC Transit President and Chief Executive Officer announced a joint investment of more than $8.4 million to support upgrades to the Montrose Avenue Transit Exchange in the City of Abbotsford.

Project funding will help with the construction of an enhanced transit exchange on Montrose Avenue in downtown Abbotsford. This exchange is required to create the Transit Future Network in Abbotsford and surrounding regions. Further, once completed, the Montrose Exchange will feature approximately ten bus bays, transit shelters, new bike lockers, bike racks, cycling amenities, bus operator washroom facilities, and improvements to pedestrian and road infrastructure.

Public transit is key to creating sustainable economic growth and more inclusive communities.

By investing in infrastructure, the Government of Canada is growing our country’s economy, building resilient communities, and improving the lives of Canadians.

“As the need for public transit grows, our government will continue to support modern, reliable public transportation services for all Canadians. This investment will improve public transit around Abbotsford and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”

Contacts:

Megan Waddington
Constituency Assistant
Office of John Aldag, Member of Parliament
604-575-6595
john.aldag@parl.gc.ca

TELUS Improves Connectivity and Generates Economic Opportunities for British Columbians

June 1, 2023 – British Columbia

On May 23rd, TELUS announced an $18.5 billion investment in network infrastructure, operations, and spectrum across BC over the next four years. This includes a $6.3 million investment to improve its PureFibre network in Langley City.

MP Aldag met with Nick Moore, Director of Federal Government Relations for TELUS where they discussed the importance of improving connectivity in rural communities. Remote learning has become an essential resource in learning and sharing information. TELUS and similar companies play an important role in helping remote communities thrive. TELUS is acting by connecting thousands of households in rural BC in partnership with the federal government through the Universal Broadband Fund (UBF).

TELUS’s PureFibre network is Canada’s most sustainable internet technology. Since switching to fibre in 2019, TELUS has reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by over 5,300 tonnes, helping move Canada forward with its climate goals. TELUS is also the largest private sector employer in British Columbia, with over 7,500 employees in the province and 264 working directly in Cloverdale – Langley City. With this new investment, TELUS will continue providing good middle-class jobs to British Columbians.

“TELUS’s networks are the backbone of Canada’s digital economy. They drive innovation and uplift marginalized communities. This investment will help improve connections in our community, specifically around healthcare, safe and healthy food, online education, remote work, and, most importantly, family and friends. TELUS shows that it is possible to meet environmental goals while boosting our economy and supporting rural communities. I welcome this investment from TELUS and look forward to the positive changes it will bring to our community.”

Contacts:

Megan Waddington
Constituency Assistant
Office of John Aldag, Member of Parliament
604-575-6595
john.aldag@parl.gc.ca

Government of Canada supports electrification of Langley School District’s bus fleet

April 24, 2023 – Greenwood, British Columbia

Today, John Aldag, Member of Parliament for Cloverdale—Langley City, announced a federal investment of $13,800 to support the electrification of Langley School District’s bus fleet.

Funding will be used to develop a strategy to transition to zero emission buses (ZEBs) for schools in Langley. The project includes assessing the existing bus fleet, developing a roadmap to zero emission, determining maintenance and operational needs, establishing costs, and developing an implementation and roll-out plan.

This investment will help Langley contribute to Canada’s objective of reaching net-zero by 2050 by providing comfortable, and clean transit to students.

By investing in public transit infrastructure, the Government of Canada is growing our country’s economy, increasing the resiliency of our communities, and improving the lives of Canadians.

“Investing in zero emission transit infrastructure is essential for building the sustainable communities of tomorrow. That's why we are working with the Langley School District to help transition Langley school buses to zero emission vehicles. The Government of Canada will continue to collaborate with partners to invest in projects like this one that bring us one step closer to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050 and building a stronger, healthier Canada. Thank you to the Langley School District for partnering with us on this fantastic project that will benefit our students and members of our community in Langley City and the Township of Langley.” – John Aldag, Member of Parliament for Cloverdale – Langley City

Contacts:

Megan Waddington
Constituency Assistant
Office of John Aldag, Member of Parliament
604-575-6595
john.aldag@parl.gc.ca

Federal Contribution over $95 million for Trans-Canada Highway 1 - High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lane Extension (216 Street to 264 Street)

December 19, 2022 – Langley, British Columbia

Langley is celebrating the start of construction on the Highway 1 Widening Project. This expansion will add one high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane in each direction between 216th Street and 264th Street. The project will also construct and replace three crossings around Glover Road and restructure the 232nd Street Interchange.

Investing in local and regional road infrastructure is a key part of maintaining safe and efficient transportation networks in our communities. From roads and community centres to public transit and infrastructure, investments in infrastructure build strong and healthy communities that are sustainable in the long term. This project will benefit the community by reducing congestion and travel time, as well as enhancing active transportation routes. The Government of Canada has invested $95 million towards this project, which is part of the larger $108.9 million Trans-Canada Highway 1 High-Occupancy Vehicle Lane Extension Project.

This project will reconfigure an existing interchange, replace two existing crossings, and improve active transportation infrastructure, improving safety for road users and ensuring that more commercial and oversize vehicles are able to travel on this route.

“We will keep working collaboratively with our partners to support meaningful investments in infrastructure projects that grow our country’s economy, increase the resiliency of our communities, and improve the lives of Canadians.”

Contacts:

Megan Waddington
Constituency Assistant
Office of John Aldag, Member of Parliament
604-575-6595
john.aldag@parl.gc.ca