Upgrades on the way

Vanderhoof receives $7 Million for major water system upgrades

Aug 31, 2026 | 9:36 AM

VANDERHOOF — The District of Vanderhoof is set to receive more than $7 million in federal infrastructure funding to upgrade its water system, enhance fire protection and improve the community’s resilience to emergencies and power outages.

The funding comes through the Strategic Priorities Fund under the Build Communities Strong Fund Community stream, a federal infrastructure program administered in British Columbia through the Union of BC Municipalities.

District officials say the project will focus on improving water infrastructure to ensure residents continue to have access to clean and safe drinking water well into the future. The upgrades will also strengthen fire protection on the community’s Northside, benefiting homes, businesses and critical facilities including St. John Hospital.

The project includes the replacement of aging equipment and the addition of improved backup power systems designed to reduce the risk of service disruptions during emergencies or extended power outages. Municipal leaders say the improvements will help protect public health, support future development and improve overall quality of life in the community.

The funding announcement follows a July 30 announcement by the federal and provincial governments and the Union of BC Municipalities, which committed more than $152 million toward 54 community infrastructure and capacity-building projects across British Columbia. Vanderhoof’s water system project was among those selected for funding.

Cariboo-Prince George MP Todd Doherty said reliable infrastructure is essential for growing communities.

“Reliable infrastructure is the foundation of healthy, growing communities,” said Doherty. “This investment will help Vanderhoof strengthen its water system, improve fire protection, and support the homes, businesses and essential services that residents count on every day.”

Nechako Lakes MLA John Rustad said the project will improve access to safe drinking water while strengthening fire protection for residents and businesses.

“This funding will help Vanderhoof make important upgrades to its water system, improving access to safe drinking water and strengthening fire protection for residents, businesses and essential services,” Rustad said.

Vanderhoof Mayor Kevin Moutray welcomed the funding, noting the long-term benefits for the community.

“This project is about making sure Vanderhoof residents can count on safe, reliable drinking water every day, while also strengthening fire protection for homes, businesses and critical services like St. John Hospital,” Moutray said.

The Build Communities Strong Fund Community stream provides predictable, long-term infrastructure funding to local governments across Canada. British Columbia receives more than $326 million annually through the program, which supports projects aimed at improving infrastructure, community services and local government capacity.

Of the $152 million announced province-wide this summer, approximately $146 million is being directed toward capital infrastructure projects, while more than $6 million will support capacity-building initiatives in communities throughout British Columbia.

Construction timelines for the Vanderhoof project have not yet been announced.