Barriere, BC. – Cathy McLeod, M.P. for Kamloops – Thompson – Cariboo,  Terry Lake, MLA for Kamloops – North Thompson, and  Mayor Mike Fennell, District of Barriere today gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking of major upgrades to the community’s water distribution system.

“This upgrade to the water distribution system will improve the quality of life for residents of Barriere, and give the regional economy a boost so we can build a healthy community now and for the future,” said Cathy McLeod.

“Upgrades to the water distribution system provided jobs in the short term and creates reliable and efficient water service for the people of Barriere,” said Terry Lake.

“These upgrades to the water distribution system will help to ensure a clean, safe and continuous water supply for the residents of our community,” said Mayor Mike Fennell.  “The District is very thankful for the infrastructure grant funding that the federal and provincial governments have made available to us.”

The project, valued at $788,682, will improve the reliability and efficiency of the water distribution system for more than 1700 people. It includes replacement of approximately 800 metres of water main, the installation of fire hydrants, gate valves and service connections and road restoration.

Under its Economic Action Plan, the Government of Canada is allocating $12 billion to infrastructure projects across the country. This is further complemented by an earlier commitment of $33 billion to infrastructure.

The governments of Canada and British Columbia and have taken steps to get shovels in the ground  for targeted infrastructure projects that can be completed by March 31, 2011. Canada and British Columbia are working together to create jobs and boost the economy, while making significant investments that help communities improve their infrastructure. Both governments have agreed to work together to ensure that these funds are delivered quickly and efficiently.