SMITHERS, B.C. -- The chief councillor of the Gitlaxt'aamiks Village Government says his community will soon have its first-ever sidewalks -- thanks to Tuesday's joint funding announcement from the federal and provincial governments.
Calvin Morven was part of a Zoom conference call hosted yesterday by Stikine M.L.A. Nathan Cullen, which unveiled details of over $5.7 million from Ottawa and Victoria for nine infrastructure projects across northern B.C.
The largest share of the money is coming from the federal COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure Stream.
In Gitlaxt'aamiks (formerly known as New Aiyansh), $742,333 will go towards the village's Skateen Drive sidewalk project, which Morven says will improve the safety of local residents.
"Our community has no sidewalks which is a health and safety issue for our pedestrians, as they are forced to walk in the middle of the road which is very hazardous, especially during the winter months -- and this was also been a serious concern regarding our children who walk back and forth to school," he explained.
The largest chunk of funding -- over $1.4 million -- is going to the Smithers-Laidlaw Trail, which is a segment of pathway along Highway 16 between Smithers and Telkwa.
The Gitsegukla Band will receive $398,500 for a a community kitchen to support school meal programs and the teaching of traditional cooking.
Terrace gets nearly $439,000 to install a generator and heat-pump at the Sportsplex.
Burn Lake will get $150,000 for upgrades to the heating, cooling and water systems at Tom Forsyth Memorial Arena.
Efficiency upgrades are slated for administration buildings at Iskut and Stewart.
