BURNS LAKE

Thursday, November 2, 2023

Three new water and wastewater projects in the region will provide cleaner and more reliable municipal services thanks to an investment of more than $10 million from the governments of Canada and British Columbia, and the municipalities of Burns Lake, Fraser Lake, and the District of Mackenzie. These projects were announced today by Minister Sean Fraser, Minister Anne Kang, and Mayor Henry Wiebe.

Due to its age, the current sewage treatment plant and electrical equipment in Burns Lake have reached the end of their service life. This project will replace the phosphorus treatment system, provide a new ultraviolet disinfection system, and make improvements to the lagoon system, improving services for a healthier environment.

“Investment in large, green infrastructure projects is unattainable for most small, rural municipalities without the financial assistance from both the federal and provincial governments,” says Henry Wiebe, Mayor of Burns Lake. “Council is extremely pleased to receive funding under the Canada Infrastructure – Environmental Quality program to replace our antiquated sewer treatment system. The upgrades to the system will improve service to Indigenous and non-Indigenous residents of our municipality while reducing air and water pollution and resource consumption by using ultraviolet light instead of chlorine to treat the effluent. This project is a win for the community and the environment.”

Additionally, Fraser Lake will upgrade its aging reservoir, including the construction of a new water storage reservoir, improving the mixing system, valves and pipe connections, upgrading the control building and electrical components, providing clean, reliable drinking water to the community.

Finally, the District of Mackenzie will construct a water treatment system in the Gantazhaz subdivision in order to reduce manganese levels and bring the community into compliance with the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality. This investment includes a new water treatment building, installing a manganese and iron removal system, chlorine injection system, and related works.

By investing in infrastructure, the Government of Canada is growing our country’s economy, building resilient communities, and improving the lives of Canadians.

Written and released by: BC Government