to gain from new $1-billion fund

Fort St. John stands to gain from an extra $1 billion in provincial infrastructure funding for B.C. municipalities this year, but just how much remains to be seen.

The province announced Friday that all 188 municipalities in B.C. would share in one-time grants from the Growing Communities Fund.

The money is coming from this year’s projected budget surplus of almost $6 billion, according to the province, and funding will be granted for projects such recreation facilities, parks, water treatment plants, and other community infrastructure “to meet the demands of unprecedented population growth.”

“B.C.’s strong economy and natural beauty continue to attract people from across Canada and around the world. Cities and towns need sup- port to build thriving, livable communities,” Premier David Eby stated in a news release.

“The new Growing Communities Fund will help local municipalities improve roads, build more arenas and water facilities, and improve recreation options for families.”

When asked how much the City of Fort St. John would be receiving, a spokesperson for the ministry of municipal affairs said local governments would be formally contacted with their funding allocations at the end of March.

Fort St. John has an estimated population of 21,465 people, according to the 2021 census, up just under 6% from 2016.

The city has $52.2 million worth of capital works planned this year, funded mostly by provincial grant money through the Peace River Agreement.

That spending includes $22.2 million on roads and transportation, $14.1 million on facilities and parks, $7.8 million on water and sewer projects, $4.9 million on vehicles and equipment, and $3.09 million on other studies and plans.

Mayor Lilia Hansen said she was excited by the province’s announcement, calling the intended flexibility of the funding “a definite win for our community.”

“I’m eagerly anticipating the funding allocation announcement, working with council and staff on determining the best use for these funds; focusing on the betterment of our community, including infrastructure, recreation facilities, transit, and parks,” Hansen said. “We have several projects in the planning phase that would be greatly enhanced and ability to move forward because of this injection of grant funding, offsetting the high cost to build in northern B.C.”

“These arrests have resulted in the significant disruption of an entrenched organized crime group in Fort St. John, Dawson Creek and Fort Nelson,” Cpl. Madonna Saunderson of the North District RCMP said. “CFSEU BC brings the necessary resources and skill set to ensure detachments are supported in any efforts to tackle large scale drug trafficking operations.”

RCMP officers from Fort St. John, Dawson Creek, and Fort Nelson RCMP helped the investigation, which began in June 2022. Among the firearms seized were eight hand guns, 16 long guns, eight shotguns, and two collapsible rifles, according to the CFSEU-BC. The seized vehicles included a 2004 Chevrolet Corvette, a 2017 Jaguar FPace, a 2016 Dodge Ram Crew Cab, a 2013 Chevy Cruze, and a 2020 GMC AT4 pickup truck, the agency said.

The 23 people arrested have been released pending approval of charges, the agency said, adding the investigation continues. “This collaborative effort led by CFSEU-BC unveiled an alleged drug trafficking network in the provinces North District, giving CFSEU-BC an opportunity to disrupt organized groups causing harm to the communities of the Peace Region,” Insp. Joel Hussey, operations officer for CFESU-BC, said. “Police in British Columbia are unified in our resolve to suppress, disrupt, and prevent groups who show such wanton disregard for the well-being of our citizens.”