Sidney, B.C.; Sidney Mayor and Council wish to acknowledge the ongoing community benefits derived through the receipt and use of Gas Tax funds under the Community Works Agreement.  

The federal Gas Tax Fund (GTF) is now in its 17th year of delivering funding to local government infrastructure and capacity building projects in British Columbia.  During that time, the fund has transferred over $3.1 billion to B.C. communities.  

Since inception of the program, the Town of Sidney has received close to $6.6 million in funding, and used over $5.3 million on eligible projects to benefit the community.  The major categories for eligible projects include: Local Roads and Active Transportation; Sport and Recreation Infrastructure; Wastewater and Storm Water; and Drinking Water. 

The most significant Gas Tax project undertaken in 2020 was the replacement of the playground equipment at Rathdown Park.  $140,000 of Gas Tax funds were allocated to this project in 2020.  Lesser amounts were also spent last year on a number of smaller projects.  These included Ocean Avenue Curb and Sidewalk ($38,000 to date); Bevan Fishing Pier ($17,950); and Solar Lights at Maryland Park ($11,000).

“I’m pleased to see Sidney residents benefit from these important infrastructure investments,” said Patrick Weiler, Member of Parliament for West Vancouver – Sunshine Coast – Sea to Sky Country. “Together with our regional partners, we are investing in projects that build strong communities and improve the quality of life for British Columbians now and for the years to come. Canada’s infrastructure plan invests in thousands of projects, creating jobs across the country, and building cleaner, more inclusive communities.”

“Together, with the federal government, the Province is proud to invest in the parks and community spaces the people of the Town of Sidney use every day,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Municipal Affairs. “This new playground equipment at Rathdown Park is a great example of a community-led initiative that promotes a healthy and active lifestyle for children and families and helps build a better B.C.”

Mayor Cliff McNeil-Smith said, “Town Council wishes to express its gratitude to the federal government for this ongoing funding stream, and also to the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) for administering the program in BC on behalf of all local governments.  This reliable funding source allows us to maintain and improve Sidney’s infrastructure without additional impact on taxpayers.”

“Local governments in British Columbia appreciate the flexibility of the federal Gas Tax Fund because it allows communities to direct the funds to a wide range of locally identified priorities without having to wait for funding approvals,” said Councillor Brian Frenkel, president of the Union of B.C. Municipalities. “The predictability of the allocations provided by this funding program supports asset management planning and contributes to sustainable service delivery in B.C.’s communities.