441-02523 (Culture and heritage)

The Government of Canada is committed to renewing the relationship between Canada and Indigenous peoples based on the recognition of rights, respect, cooperation, and partnership, as well as implementing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. This includes making significant infrastructure investments in Indigenous communities that improve socioeconomic conditions and community well-being.

Since 2016, the Government of Canada has made significant infrastructure investments in British Columbia, with more than $7.6 billion in federal funding provided for projects, which includes just over $3.9 billion under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. Over $241 million has been allocated to community, culture, sport, and recreation projects through Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada’s various programs.

On March 2, 2022, Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada approved $454,112 in funding for the District of Kent Aquatic Centre. The combined federal and provincial funding totals $10 million, representing a 73% cost share on the District of Kent Aquatic Centre project.

With respect to infrastructure projects experiencing cost overruns and inflationary pressures, it is important to note that Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada provides a contribution toward the total estimated eligible cost of a project, and that contribution is capped at a maximum amount at the time of approval. The project was prioritized through the final provincial intake under the Community, Culture, and Recreation stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, which is managed by British Columbia’s Ministry of Municipal Affairs. This final intake allocated all remaining funding under the Community, Culture, and Recreation stream in British Columbia. 

Looking forward, Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada is taking stock of existing programs and gaining an understanding of needs, which will help to inform the development of the next suite of federally-led infrastructure programming. Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada recognizes that infrastructure programs will need to be efficient and flexible, and attuned to regional and local priorities, while delivering the economic, social, and environmental outcomes that Canadians expect.