More than $89 million invested in clean economy infrastructure projects across province
By Province of British Columbia
Communities across the province will benefit from more energy-efficient buildings, clean energy, and better access to clean transportation options after a joint investment of more than $89 million from the federal and provincial governments, and local partners.
The North Shore is powering up with green upgrades through two projects, ensuring that communities have enhanced access to reliable, clean, and renewable energy.
At Capilano University in the District of North Vancouver, improvements to the reliability and efficiency of the university’s electrical infrastructure will get underway in 2025, including supporting a planned increase in energy use over the next 10 years. The project will include extending service capabilities by installing underground feeder cables and constructing feeder duct banks at various locations.
In the City of North Vancouver, Lonsdale Energy aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 40%. A new energy plant will displace natural gas consumption and increase the use of renewable energy by extracting heat from raw sewage to provide heating to over 15,600 residents served by its district energy system.
The operational facility will include two water-to-water electric heat pumps with a heating capacity of at least 5 MW. Additionally, the project will include environmental enhancements to the area near Mosquito Creek and improvements to the surrounding public spaces.
“In communities across British Columbia, this infrastructure funding is helping provide more people with clean, affordable, and reliable energy. I visited two organizations on the North Shore today, Lonsdale Energy Corp. and Capilano University, that are great examples of how investing in green infrastructure can enhance energy efficiency, save money, and build healthier, more vibrant communities,” said The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities.
Other projects across the province include the construction of a wastewater treatment plant and a geothermal electric plant, energy efficiency retrofits and modernization for community and health centers, and electrification connections that will provide buildings with access to clean and renewable electricity.
“Investing in local infrastructure like community centers, medical facilities, wastewater systems, and universities directly supports families living on the North Shore and across British Columbia,” said The Honourable Terry Beech, Member of Parliament for Burnaby North-Seymour and Minister of Citizens’ Services.
These projects promote a cleaner, more resilient future while putting more money back into the pockets of Canadians. By focusing on these critical areas, we are not only supporting immediate community needs but also investing in long-term benefits that will improve quality of life and drive economic growth across the province.”
Quick Facts:
- The federal government is investing more than $29 million through the Green Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. The Government of British Columbia is investing $30 million through the CleanBC Communities Fund, and local partners are contributing a combined $29.9 million and are responsible for any additional costs.
- The CleanBC Communities Fund provides federal and provincial funding for community infrastructure projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions through a decreased reliance on fossil fuels, focusing on renewable energy, access to clean-energy transportation, improved energy efficiency of buildings, and the generation of clean energy.
- The Green Infrastructure Stream helps build greener communities by contributing to climate change preparedness, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and supporting renewable technologies.
- Including today’s announcement, over 150 infrastructure projects under the Green Infrastructure Stream have been announced in British Columbia with a total federal contribution of more than $600 million and a total provincial contribution of nearly $418 million.
- Under the Investing in Canada Plan, the federal government is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada’s rural and northern communities.
- Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada helps address complex challenges that Canadians face every day—ranging from the rapid growth of our cities, to climate change, to environmental threats to our water and land.
- Federal funding is conditional on fulfilling all requirements related to consultation with Indigenous groups and environmental assessment obligations.
