Investments in Peace River landslide mitigation to build safer more resilient community

PEACE RIVER, AB, Feb. 16, 2018 /CNW/ - The governments of Canada and Alberta are making investments to protect against natural hazards while safeguarding the social and economic well-being of Alberta's communities.

The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, along with Brian Mason, Minister of Alberta Transportation, and His Worship Tom Tarpey, Mayor of Peace River, today announced nearly $6.7 million in joint funding to improve the structural integrity of the slope below 99 Street.

A substantial landslide in June 2016 significantly impacted utility lines, roadways and buildings surrounding the 99 Street slope. The funding announced today will go toward building an anchored wall along the top and bottom of the slope to stabilize the upper and lower slide masses. The water and sewer lines affected by the 2016 landslide will also be repositioned under 99 Street, and the water flow rerouted to ensure local residents have reliable water and sewer services.

Quotes

"The Government of Canada is committed to building safer more resilient communities, a critical part of promoting economic development and growing the middle class. This investment in Peace River's disaster mitigation infrastructure will help ensure the community can function and thrive through any circumstance."

The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

"This joint investment in protection against landslides will give peace of mind to Peace River residents, and will keep the town and its infrastructure safe. There are also economic reasons to do this work sooner than later. Shoring up the infrastructure now will save on potentially higher costs down the road."

Brian Mason, Minister of Alberta Transportation

"The 2016 landslide left utility lines, roadways and buildings surrounding the 99 Street slope at considerable risk. We're very grateful for both the federal and provincial support for this work, which will address the risks of future landslides in this area. As well, these contributions from our other government partners will also ensure the Town of Peace River isn't faced with undue financial burden in mitigating these risks."

His Worship Tom Tarpey, Mayor of Peace River

Quick facts

• The governments of Canada and Alberta are each contributing up to $1,918,862 to this project through the New Building Canada Fund: Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component?National and Regional Projects. The Town of Peace River is providing the remaining $2,856,220.
• Work on the overall project began in February and is expected to be completed by the fall of 2018.
• The Government of Canada will invest 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.

Associated links

Government of Canada's $180-billion+ Investing in Canada plan: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/about-invest-apropos-eng.html

*New* ? Investing in Canada plan project map: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/gmap-gcarte/index-eng.html

New Building Canada Fund: Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component?National and Regional Projects: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/nrp-pnr-prog-eng.html

Smart Cities Challenge: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/cities-villes-eng.html

Twitter: @INFC_eng

Web: Infrastructure Canada

SOURCE Infrastructure Canada