BC Liberals Commit to Partner on Burnaby Lake Rejuvenation
May 12, 2005
BURNABY – Premier Gordon Campbell announced today that a re-elected BC Liberal government will commit up to $10 million, as part of an equal three-way partnership with the federal government and the City of Burnaby, to allow the Burnaby Lake rejuvenation project to proceed.
"Burnaby Lake is an important environmental and recreational asset for the city," Campbell said. "Over the past two decades, sediment build-up has undermined water quality. The City has already committed to fund one-third of the cost of the sediment-removal project. If elected, the BC Liberals are prepared to invest up to $10 million, and work with the federal government to secure the necessary matching funds, so that we can complete the rejuvenation of Burnaby Lake."
The Province provided an environmental-assessment approval for the City of Burnaby’s rejuvenation project in 2002. At the time, the City estimated the project would cost $29 million. It involves improving water quality and restoring fish-and-wildlife habitat, through a dredging program that would remove up to 400,000 cubic-metres of sediment over an area of about 36 hectares.
The lake was last dredged in 1972. In addition to improving water quality, removing sediment build-up would also help re-establish rowing, canoeing and kayaking facilities at the lake. The current course has been reduced from a useable length of 2,000 metres to 1,500 metres. The Burnaby Lake Rowing Club and Canoe and Kayak Club would like to establish a national training centre, in cooperation with Simon Fraser University.
Until now, the City has had difficulty securing funding for the rejuvenation of Burnaby Lake, due in part to the cost of the dredging, as well as the ambitious scope of the City’s full project, which also involves renewal of water-main infrastructure and the establishment of a world-class training facility.
"This project will improve water quality, and help re-establish Burnaby Lake as a centre of excellence for sport," said Campbell. "It supports one of our five great goals: to lead the world in sustainable environmental management, with the best air and water quality, and best fisheries management – bar none."
"It’s the power of a first-place economy that has allowed us to commit this funding. I want to commend our BC Liberal MLAs in Burnaby – Harry Bloy, Patty Sahota, John Nuraney and Richard Lee – who have been exceptional advocates for this project. It’s thanks to their leadership, and the strength of our economy, that we’re able to take this first step in restoring Burnaby Lake."
