The Government of Canada invests in HVAC retrofit for Snuneymuxw Daycare

Press Release

From: Infrastructure Canada

Nanaimo, British Columbia, September 01, 2023 — Today, Parm Bains, Member of Parliament for Steveston – Richmond East, and Michael Wyse, Chief of Snuneymuxw First Nation (Xumtilum), announced a federal investment of $281,460 to support a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) retrofit for the Snuneymuxw Daycare in Nanaimo.

The project will decommission and dispose of the daycare’s existing HVAC system, replacing it with a new, more efficient system. Funding will also support building remediation and alternative arrangements for daycare operations during construction. Once complete, these improvements are expected to reduce the facility’s energy consumption by an estimated 24% and greenhouse gas emissions by 0.34 tonnes annually.

The daycare provides child care and social services to families in Snuneymuxw Territory on Vancouver Island using a holistic approach that honours Snuneymuxw culture and Ancestral teachings. The project will improve air quality, reduce energy consumption and operating costs. This will ensure that the facility can continue delivering essential programming to the community.

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

Quotes

“Indigenous peoples have been stewards of the earth since time immemorial. Investments in projects that champion sustainability support our shared vision of a greener tomorrow. Today’s announcement will make sure that the daycare can continue to serve the community as efficiently as possible while upholding principles that are integral to Snuneymuxw culture. We will continue to work with our partners to minimize environmental impact and make life better for Canadians.”

Parm Bains, Member of Parliament for Steveston – Richmond East, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

“Our children and daycare remain a top priority. This important project aims to enhance our daycare’s air quality, lower energy usage, and improve overall operational efficiency.”

Michael Wyse, Chief of Snuneymuxw First Nation (Xumtilum)

Quick facts

• The Government of Canada is investing $281,460 to this project through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) program
• The GICB program aims to improve the places Canadians work, learn, play, live and gather by cutting pollution, making life more affordable, and supporting thousands of good jobs. Through green and other upgrades to existing public community buildings and new builds in underserved communities, the GICB program helps ensure community facilities are inclusive, accessible, and have a long service life, while also helping Canada move towards its net-zero objectives by 2050.
• At least 10 percent of funding is allocated to projects serving First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities, including Indigenous populations in urban centres.
• The GICB program was created in support of Canada’s Strengthened Climate Plan: a Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy, supporting the Plan’s first pillar through the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, the increase of energy efficiency, and higher resilience to climate change. It is providing $1.5 billion over five years towards green and accessible retrofits, repairs or upgrades.
• Federal funding is conditional on the signing of a contribution agreement
• For more information, please visit the Infrastructure Canada website.

Associated links

• Green and Inclusive Community Buildings
• Strengthened Climate Plan
• Federal infrastructure investments in British Columbia

Contacts

For more information (media only), please contact:

Shiraz Keushgerian
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
Shiraz.Keushgerian@infc.gc.ca

Media Relations
Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251
Toll free: 1-877-250-7154
Email: media-medias@infc.gc.ca

Snuneymuxw First Nation
250-740-2300
Toll free: 1-888-636-8789
mail@snuneymuxw.ca

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