South Okanagan

Oliver will complete the third and final phase of its Rural Water Twinning Project thanks to $1,243,000 from the Canadian government through the Gas Tax Fund transfer.

The project, started in 2006, will provide potable water to approximately 1,500 residents and many businesses in the rural areas surrounding Oliver.

“Our government is pleased to help complete this important project to extend the supply of safe and reliable water in the region," said Dan Albas, MP for Okanagan-Coquihalla. "Investing in clean water infrastructure is an investment in the health of local residents, job creation and long-term economic growth in our Okanagan communities."

Oliver's rural water system, which was developed in the 1920s, required significant upgrades.

The project will provide a parallel water pipeline grid to supply year-round,potable water to all rural customers.

Once complete, this project will remove the town's need to operate under water quality advisories several months each year. The total budget for this final phase is estimated at $1,864,000.

"The water twinning project is the cornerstone of health and safety improvements for our rural water customers," said Oliver Mayor Ron Hovanes. "After seven years of phased design and construction, having funding in place to finally complete this project is great news for current residents and future generations."

There are many communities in BC with infrastructure that has exceeded its shelf life, according to Union of British Columbia Municipalities President Mary Sjostrom.

"I am delighted to see the Gas Tax Fund support the water service shared by the town of Oliver with residents in the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen," she said.

Since 2006, the Canadian government has made investments in infrastructure.

Through the fund alone, municipalities across the country have received more than $10 billion in transfers for local priority initiatives.

Between 2006 and 2014, British Columbia will receive more than $1.56 billion from the fund to improve local infrastructure.