The District of Sechelt says they are hoping some of the federal budget will align with their needs to grow the community and help it adapt to climate change.
The federal budget was announced on Tuesday, which according to CUPE federal budget analysis outlines an investment of $12.8 billion to municipalities for housing, water, and wastewater infrastructure. The analysis also indicates CUPE has asked for an increase in healthcare initiatives from 22 per cent to 35 per cent.
Council says key priorities they are looking to the feds for are housing, grants for large projects, and carbon rebates for small businesses, with the budget including only $2 billion in net new climate spending over the next five years and an additional $9 billion to be introduced from 2029 to 2030.
They also say addressing healthcare and public works is going to be a key factor if the district wants to grow.
“We are hoping to hear more about health and safety initiatives, as well as infrastructure improvements,” they said in an email. “We know we need more program options for some of our more vulnerable residents, and we also need water in this region.”
