Residents of Squamish are set to benefit from significant improvements to their infrastructure, following an investment of over $19 million from the federal, provincial and municipal governments.
Announced at a press conference on July 30, Brennan Park Recreation Centre and the Squamish River dike will be the two sites to receive the upgrades aimed at reducing the centre’s environmental footprint and improving flood protection standards.
"We're here today because infrastructure is the foundation of healthy and prosperous communities,” Member of Parliament for West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country, Patrick Weiler said at the press conference.
“It makes our communities feel like places where people can and want to live, play and raise families.
“Investing in infrastructure is critical to accommodate growing populations in communities like Squamish, while ensuring residents are kept safe in a rapidly changing climate,” he said.
Brennan Park Recreation Centre upgrades
Of the almost $20 million investment, $14,192,985 will go towards upgrades at Brennan Park Recreation Centre to improve its energy efficiency and indoor air quality.
Approximately 153 metres of the building's exterior, including windows and doors, as well as insulation, air barriers, seismic performance, electrical systems, and signage will be upgraded.
The enhancements are anticipated to reduce heating and cooling costs and minimize the environmental footprint.
“Brennan Park Recreation Centre is where community members, young and old, come together to learn, play, celebrate and support,” District of Squamish Mayor Armand Hurford said.
“Whether it's gaining a new skill, cheering on a friend, joining a team, passing a swim level … new friendships and milestones happen here, and it really is for so many of us, the heart of our community.
“Our community cares deeply about Brennan Park and ensuring investments are made so that it can continue to grow with our community for generations to come.
“The upgrades being announced today are part of our overall plan to upgrade the facility over time. With the support of our federal and provincial partners, we're grateful for this funding that will allow us to upgrade the building envelope,” he said.
Squamish River dike upgrades
The remaining $5,424,000 of funding will be used to upgrade the Squamish River dike at Jimmy Jimmy (Judd) Slough which was established as the “highest priority diking project in the community in order to improve flood protection standards,” reads a news release about the funding.
The project will see approximately 900 metres of the Squamish River dike raised on private land between Wai’wakum Reserve and Aik’wuck’s, as well as: the dike crest widened from four metres to six metres, riprap erosion protection provided for the raised portion of the dike, a new vehicle turnout, and one access ramp upgraded.
Representing the provincial government, North Vancouver MLA Susie Chant said she felt the work on the Squamish River dike could have been done two decades ago, but is thrilled to see it coming to fruition now.
“For me, I look at it and I think, wow, this is stuff we probably could have done 20 years ago. However, here we are, and we recognize the needs to do all this work,” Chant said.
“Through the upgrades to the Squamish River dike, we are helping protect homes, businesses and natural habitats through the growing threat of floods.
“We've seen the king tides, we've seen the big winds, we've seen the downpours…and when they combine together, we have a real problem; so now we are making sustained work to mitigate those problems.”
The federal government will invest $5,677,194 through the Green Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program for the Brennan Park Recreation Centre and $2,169,600 for the Squamish River dike raising.
The Government of British Columbia will invest $4,730,522 for the rec centre and $1,807,819 for the dike upgrades; and the District of Squamish will contribute $3,785,269 for to the rec centre and $1,446,581 for the dike upgrades.
