December 18, 2008
Warawa Responds to Langley Events Centre Funding Misinformation
“I’m very impressed with the beautiful new Event Centre and the positive impact this facility will have on our community,” says Warawa. “However, I wish to respond to claims that the Federal government did not fulfill its part in providing funds for this project. This is not true. In fact, construction on the Event Centre began in September 2007, before the Building Canada Fund began in November 2007. Formal funding applications to the Federal government must be made before construction begins. Unfortunately, the earlier construction start date disqualified the Event Centre for federal funding. This was communicated to the Township of Langley on April 23, 2008.” The Federal government never received a formal funding application for any amount for the Event Centre.
The Canada-BC agreement was signed by Prime Minister Harper and BC Premier Gordon Campbell on Nov 6th, 2007. The Building Canada Fund announced in the 2007 federal budget made a historic investment of more than $16 million in infrastructure over the next seven years to a total of $33 billion. It is investing in critical national priorities such as wastewater treatment, highways and public transit. The plan also includes funding for Gateways and Border Crossings.
The Township of Langley received $3 Million from the Federal government for the Aldergrove Sewer Upgrade project. Warawa continues to consult with both the Township of Langley and City of Langley to get their lists of infrastructure priorities that have not yet started construction. Those lists include their number one priority project that would quickly put shovels in the ground. “Our government is looking for projects that could qualify to start quickly to help stimulate the economy, to help with local infrastructure needs and to keep Canadians working,” said Warawa.
