On Aug. 21, the Province of British Columbia and Thompson-Nicola Regional District, officially celebrated the grand opening of the Louis Creek and Clearwater Eco-Depots in the North Thompson Valley. The TNRD board of directors were in attendance as well as a number of dignitaries, and area residents.
“Our Government recognizes the importance of modern and reliable infrastructure services for our communities,” said Cathy McLeod, Member of Parliament for Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo, on behalf of the Honourable Michelle Rempel, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification. “By investing in projects like this, we are improving services for residents of the Thompson-Nicola Regional District while supporting jobs, growth and long-term prosperity.”
This $15 million project has involved the reconfiguration of 16 sites within the TNRD into a system of Eco-Depots that will provide full recycling services to more than 41,000 residents. Two-thirds of the funding has been provided through the joint federal-provincial Building Canada Fund - Communities Component and the remainder from TNRD.
“As a long time resident of this region, I know that our significant growth has had an impact on infrastructure like waste management,” said Kamloops-North Thompson MLA Terry Lake. “The Louis Creek and Clearwater Eco-Depots are great examples of how we are taking long term proactive action to protect the environment while making waste disposal more economical for residents.”
The Louis Creek and Clearwater Eco-Depots are part of the TNRD’s ongoing efforts to work towards more environmentally friendly ways of solid-waste management by helping residents divert more waste from landfills. The improved service is being developed in response to the need to manage the region’s increasing amount of waste, extend the life of the TNRD’s remaining landfills, protect the environment and keep a lid on taxes.
“As a regional government covering more than 45,000 square kilometres, providing services in a financially sustainable manner can be a challenge,” said Thompson-Nicola Regional District Chair Randy Murray. “Federal contributions and inter-jurisdictional partnerships are vital to maintain the viability of rural communities.”
While attending the Eco Depot opening in Louis Creek, MLA Terry Lake commented, “We are now giving back to the planet, thanks to the foresight of the regional government and the federal-provincial governments who put these plans into place – making really good things happen. The political leadership shown at the regional level has produced a great facility.”
The Yellowhead 4-H club were on site at the Louis Creek opening providing refreshments and goodies for the attendees.
The Canada-British Columbia Building Canada Fund - Communities Component is a federal-provincial program that addresses the unique infrastructure needs of both rural and urban communities with populations of less than 100,000. Through the unprecedented Building Canada infrastructure plan, the Government of Canada is providing long-term, stable and predictable funding to help meet infrastructure needs across Canada. Building Canada supports a stronger, safer and better country.