Columbia River–Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald says regional politicians from all levels of government are working together to pitch for federal funding for Trans-Canada Highway upgrades.
In a Sept. 4 media release, MLA Macdonald said Kootenay–Columbia MP David Wilks (Cons.), Mayor of Golden Christina Benty, Mayor of Revelstoke David Raven and himself are working to get a meeting with federal Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs Denis Lebel.
They plan to ask Lebel for federal money for highway improvements to the Trans-Canada in the region.
“I’ve had discussions with the new provincial Minister of Transportation," Macdonald said in a statement. "And MP Wilks and I have the full support of Mayor of Revelstoke David Raven and Mayor of Golden Christina Benty."
When it comes to highways mega-projects, federal funding is usually the last piece of the puzzle.
In the lead-up to the 2013 election, the current BC Liberals government pledged to four-lane the Trans-Canada between Kamloops and the Alberta border. Their 2013 platform document called the four-laning project a "10-year plan."
Premier Christy Clark has repeated the commitment since winning the B.C. general election in May.
Mayors, MLAs and MPs from the region lobby for highway money on annual basis, so why is this news?
Aside from the non-partisan local lobby group, a staff member in Macdonald's office said there was a hope there was more federal money on the table this year.
Macdonald and Wilks hope to meet with Lebel in Calgary. An appointment has not been set.