New$1Bfund forB.C.cities togetreadyfor moreresidents

The Tri-Cities will split $37 million under a new fund announced last Friday (March 3) by B C Premier David Eby.

The Growing Communities Fund is targeted to help every community in the province ready for more residents by building or improving infrastructure

The $1 billion is the single biggest investment in B.C.’s history for municipalities and regional districts

For the Tri-Cities, it translates to (in descending numerical order):

• Coquitlam: $18,635,000

• Port Coquitlam: $9,462,000

• Port Moody: $6,734,000

• Anmore: $1,730,000

• Belcarra: $759,000

By comparison, Burnaby took in $28.7 million, Vancouver received $49 1 million and Victoria got $12.8 million, while Metro Vancouver Regional District reaped $50 7 million, to pay for capital projects such as roads, community centres and waste-water treatment plants

Coquitlam Mayor Richard Stewart told the Tri-City News he’s not sure yet how the Coquitlam money will be spent; however, he “welcomed” the one-time cash injection

He also made clear the grant would not be used to offset property tax increases this year, which will be a 5 48 page 4