The City of Delta is pleased to receive a $1.67 million grant through the B.C. Government’s Agriculture Water Infrastructure (AWP) Program. This significant investment will fund critical upgrades to Delta’s irrigation water conveyance system, providing further support for its diverse farming community.
“This investment strengthens our local food system and supports the farmers who play an important role in Delta’s economy and community.“ said Mayor George V. Harvie. “By building a more robust irrigation water supply system, we are not only supporting our current farming community but also investing in the long-term sustainability of local food production in Delta for generations to come.”
The AWP program, funded by the B.C. government and delivered by the Investment Agriculture Foundation, aims to enhance irrigation infrastructure and improve agricultural water supply. The objectives of this program include building resilience against seasonal water challenges to support agriculture and safeguarding regional food security, aligning perfectly with City of Delta’s dedication to strengthen local agriculture.
“Delta farmers use some of our province’s best soil to provide British Columbians with fresh local produce, and they need a secure, reliable water supply to do it,” said Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture and Food. “This funding will help producers irrigate their crops, grow their businesses, and strengthen our food supply and economy while ensuring B.C. families can enjoy more of the high-quality, locally grown food that Delta is known for.”
The funding will be directed towards two key projects:
- Constructing the Second Irrigation Intake: An additional intake will ensure a reliable supply of freshwater for local farms, especially during the critical late-summer months when the existing intake struggles to draw suitable water from the Fraser River.
- Culvert upgrades along 72 Street: These upgrades will increase the capacity of the irrigation system, allowing it to efficiently carry more water to farms across Delta.
The total value of these projects is approximately $3.33 million, with Delta's cost share set at $1.67 million. These efforts will expand irrigation capacity, promote greater agricultural output, and reinforce the City of Delta’s dedication to sustainable agriculture.
For more information on this news release, please contact media@delta.ca.