Feds encourage asset management in B.C.

SQUAMISH, B.C. – Ottawa is helping to fund dozens of B.C. community projects that improve asset management. 

Federal officials announced they will spend $1.6 million in 36 British Columbia communities through the Municipal Asset Management Program, delivered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.

“As Canada moves toward a strong recovery, these projects will help communities make data-driven decisions about key infrastructure, and ensure long-term infrastructure performance,” said officials in a release.

 Some of the projects include:  

• Developing an asset management strategy and collecting infrastructure data for the Skawahlook First Nation;
• the district of Squamish will improve the existing asset management plan by integrating newly collected data as well as considering risk and levels of service, to build a long-term financial model; and
• The Township of Spallumcheen will install a system to combine geographic information system data, manage data, visualize important asset management information, and foster information sharing.

“Municipalities manage our water, sewer and storm systems, many of our roads, along with other critical infrastructure pieces,” said Dominic LeBlanc, minister of intergovernmental affairs, in a press release. “Data-driven tools are key to ensuring the sound, long-term management of these assets. We’re proud to invest in infrastructure asset management projects that help communities in British Columbia grow, strengthen their local economy and improve residents’ quality of life.”