Mackenzie Mayor Pat Crook (l), council and guests at funding announcement. Photo courtesy District of Mackenzie

Mackenzie, B.C. – The District of Mackenzie has just received a Federal Gas Tax Fund contribution of $5 million that will fund nearly three-quarters of the comprehensive energy saving retrofit of their existing recreational facility and construction of the community’s first multi-purpose community hall/activity centre.

The $5 million contribution will cover 68.5 per cent of the $7.3 million dollar project cost.

The new multi-purpose facility will provide a dedicated space for community events and host other activities and services. District Council will keep residents up to date and informed as the final design is developed.

The federal government annually provides close to $266 million in indexed funding for local government infrastructure projects across British Columbia through the Gas Tax Fund. The money can be spent on any eligible project the community prioritizes or it can be pooled with other communities for regional projects, banked for later priorities or used to pay for financed projects.

The Union of BC Municipalities administers the Gas Tax Fund in BC in conjunction with the federal and provincial governments.

Prince George-Mackenzie MLA Mike Morris says “We are pleased to work with the Union of British Columbia Municipalities and the federal Government to provide the District of Mackenzie with a reliable source of funding for investments like this through the Gas Tax Agreement.”

UBCM President Al Richmond says the “announcement is a great example of how new investments in local infrastructure can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of existing facilities. I want to express appreciation to the Government of Canada for their continuing support for communities through the Federal Gas Tax Fund.”

Mackenzie Mayor Pat Crook says “In 2011, a community-driven planning process called “Mackenzie in Motion” identified the construction of a multi-purpose facility as a community priority. We are so grateful for the funding commitment from the Government of Canada. This announcement has turned a community dream into a reality”.