The K’ómoks First Nation (KFN) has applied to the federal government for a sewer grant in the southern regional service area of the Comox Valley.
The KFN has asked the Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) to partner in the application.
“The KFN has formed a key partnership with the CVRD in the application for federal funding — PPP Canada — with the aims of solving the negative environmental impacts in Baynes Sound and helping enable KFN’s long-term land use planning and economic development goals,” said Melinda Knox, KFN’s CEO. “We have also invited the Village of Cumberland to partner in the project.”
Failing septic systems in Royston and Union Bay are having a lasting negative impact on the receiving waters of Baynes Sound. So, funding is being sought for a new, sustainable, state of the art waste water treatment plant and collection system to be provided to treat, reclaim and reuse wastewater from Royston, Union Bay and KFN development lands.
Federal funding being pursued for this project is through PPP Canada, which requires the P3 project approach be used, where local government retains ownership and control of the facility, which a private entity may design, build, finance and/or operate. The actual form of this project will be determined during development of the business case.
Total cost of the project is estimated at $66 million. The application for funding is for the total cost, with a grant contribution of 25 per cent ($16.5 million).
— K’omoks First Nation