The City of Mission will receive nearly $9 million from the provincial government as part of a one-time funding grant to address the needs of growing communities.
“These funds couldn’t come at a more important time in Mission’s history,” said Mayor Paul Horn.
“We have an extremely solid planning base for the city and that will allow us to use these dollars in a way that best provides for a secure and liveable future for Mission.”
The one-time funding can be used for capital infrastructure. Council will determine how the to allocate the funding during an upcoming capital planning meeting.
“Council recognizes that there are many ways we could spend this money, but our ambition will be to use them in alignment with our strategic planning,” said Horn.
NDP MLAs Pam Alexis and Bob D’Eith say that this historic investment in the City of Mission will enable the community to fund key projects, ensuring that people have services they can rely on as populations grow.
“The people of Abbotsford and Mission count on their local governments for the infrastructure that creates vibrant and healthy communities,” said Alexis, MLA for Abbotsford-Mission. “As a former mayor, I know how important it is for municipalities and the province to work together on investing in the future and making sure communities have what they need to thrive.”
As communities continue to grow, local governments are having to meet increased strain on infrastructure and amenities including, roads, transit, water and electrical systems, as well as community centers, parks and social services.
The Growing Communities Fund is an investment that will see the provincial government distribute $1 billion across B.C.’s 188 municipalities and regional districts to support their unique needs.
Mission City Council is receiving $8,839,000.
“Maple Ridge and Mission are both growing and need the infrastructure and amenities to support a thriving community,” said Bob D’Eith, MLA for Maple Ridge-Mission.
“The Growing Communities Fund will support local governments in British Columbia to invest in their communities and their future.”
