The province announced on the morning of July 20th that it would be setting aside some money to help the Songhees Nation improve their aging on-reserve infrastructure.
Specifically, the Nation’s wastewater system including sewer lines and facilities will be improved with a significant provincial investment.
This will help decrease costs for local businesses and residents by reducing the amount of wastewater being treated locally.
The Songhees Nation will receive a $4 million investment to replace the approximate 1,400 metres of sewer lines on reserve land.
The scope of the project will include new maintenance holes, catch basins, sewer-inspection chambers and sanitary-service connections.
“This much-needed renewal of aging infrastructure will help improve the efficient removal of wastewater and decrease costs for people who rely on this system,” said Mitzi Dean, MLA for Esquimalt-Metchosin.
“These critical upgrades will make a big difference to the Capital Regional District wastewater treatment system and have a positive impact on quality of life for residents.”
This is just a small part of the $450 million the province is committing to critical community infrastructure in efforts to ensure drinking water is clean, wastewater is being handled properly and greenhouse gasses are being reduced.
“Songhees Nation welcomes this funding commitment from the Province,” said Chief Ron Sam, Songhees Nation.
“These funds will help replace critical infrastructure that impacts every member of our on-reserve community every day, and we look forward to seeing these positive impacts for generations to come.”
