The B.C. government has announced a nearly $193-million investment in infrastructure projects from the federal Gas Tax Fund, including some major upgrades for facilities on Vancouver Island.

In Sooke, a $1.24-million grant will help expand the SEAPARC Leisure Complex with a movement studio, multi-use room and fitness gym.

The Capital Regional District says the total cost of the facility expansion will amount to $2.75-million, with the remaining $1.5-million coming from SEAPARC's reserve fund.

"This is a wise investment to enhance recreation and fitness opportunities for Sooke residents," B.C. Premier John Horgan said in a statement. "SEAPARC is a great facility that will be even better with the additional space and equipment provided through a partnership with all levels of government.”

The gas tax will also pay for a major mechanical replacement at Saanich Commonwealth Place.

The recreation centre will receive $4-million to replace its existing natural gas boilers with biomass boilers, reducing its carbon footprint by 90 per cent.

The District of Saanich says it will help Commonwealth Place achieve carbon neutrality by enabling the use of renewable fuel instead of fossil fuels.

It will also have the benefit of increased cooling capacity in parts of the building.

Nearly $2.4-million of the gas tax fund will go to a major retrofit and expansion at the Cowichan Aquatic Centre in North Cowichan.

The municipality says that membership at the aquatic centre has grown significantly since it opened in 2008, so the money will create more space on the pool deck and add bleachers for improved spectator access.

Money will also be used to reconfigure and expand the centre's upstairs gym, group fitness rooms and private areas for training.

Up-island in Nanaimo, $3.8-million will help a waterfront walkway become a reality. The city has long desired to expand its walkway to create a continuous connection from Departure Bay to the Nanaimo River Estuary.

On the west coast of island in Tofino, $2.27-million has been dedicated to extend the multi-use path to Pacific Rim National Park.

Other infrastructure announcements on Vancouver Island include:

  • $6.2-million for the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District, to go toward an asset management implementation project and consolidated strategic landfill diversion program
  • $95,000 for phase one of an asset management program in Campbell River
  • $1.9-million for a Cobble Hill wastewater integration and re-use upgrade project and $5.89-milion for a Mill Bay wastewater integration project in the Cowichan Valley
  • $100,000 for a groundwater project in the District of Highlands
  • $1.75-million will go to Ladysmith for a machine shop arts, heritage and cultural centre restoration project
  • $500,000 for a facilities and park amenities condition assessment program in Nanaimo
  • The Nanaimo Regional District will get $6-milion for secondary treatment at its pollution control centre, and another $150,000 for an asset management replacement cost survey
  • $668,069 for the Oak Bay Recreation Centre's energy recovery project
  • $550,000 for a strategic asset management plan in Port Alberni
  • $6-million to replace a multiplex swimming pool in Port Hardy
  • $3.5-million for a road works replacement project in Tahsis

Read the full list of funding announcements here.