North Cowichan is receiving $112,500 from the Federal Gas Tax Fund to further its asset management program for roads, water systems, sewer systems, drainage systems and buildings that support those systems.
Targeted maintenance and a plan for replacements of all those systems is required on a regular basis.
With the funding, North Cowichan will be developing a standard condition assessment framework; developing a corporate asset management strategy; completing individual asset management plans for the core assets and developing a financial policy that defines funding strategies for infrastructure investment.
This builds on the findings of a 2015 independent review, which identified opportunities to enhance North Cowichan’s asset management practices.
“Organizations that prioritize asset management make more informed decisions and are better stewards of community resources,” noted North Cowichan Mayor Jon Lefebure. “Through this project, we strive to build organizational capacity and buy-in for the incorporation of asset management across departments.”
North Cowichan’s Official Community Plan commits to providing basic infrastructure to residents in a way that meets the highest standards of public health and safety, protects the environment, emphasizes conservation and is cost-effective. North Cowichan strives to achieve the vision through a robust asset management program.
Each year, the Government of Canada provides more than $278 million in funding for local government infrastructure across B.C. through the Federal Gas Tax Fund. The Union of B.C. Municipalities administers the Federal Gas Tax Fund in B.C. in partnership with the Government of Canada and the Province of B.C.
“Improvements to local infrastructure are so important,” remarked Selina Robinson, the B.C. Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “They make our communities even better places to live. We are pleased to partner with local governments and the federal government to improve the daily lives of British Columbians.”
“Communities across B.C. are looking for funding to replace, upgrade and expand local infrastructure,” commented Director Wendy Booth, President of the Union of B.C. Municipalities. “The Federal Gas Tax Fund is accelerating the pace of infrastructure renewal through the transfer of close to $3 billion since 2005 for projects in our province. I appreciate the Government of Canada’s long term commitment to fund priorities identified by B.C. local governments.”