MP Kerry-Lynne Findlay, Mayor Lois Jackson and other officials were at the Ladner Leisure Centre Wednesday for a funding announcement that will benefit three of Delta's pools.

The municipality will receive $348,000 from Canada's Gas Tax Fund to integrate solar hot water systems into the indoor pool at the Ladner Leisure Centre and outdoor pools in North Delta and Ladner.

"Our government is proud to deliver permanent annual infrastructure funding for municipalities through Canada's Gas Tax Fund," said Findlay, on behalf of Denis Lebel, minister of transport, infrastructure and communities.

"Investing in infrastructure creates jobs and economic growth, and the Gas Tax Fund delivers long-term funding to provide greater certainty and flexibility for communities to choose their own infrastructure priorities. By using solar power, Delta will save on heating costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions."

In 2009, Delta was the first municipality in Metro Vancouver to install a solar hot water system in a municipal hall. As well, in May 2010, Delta was officially designated as a Solar Community by the province

"We are so pleased to have the support of the federal government and UBCM to build on our success and bring greater attention to this technology throughout our community," Jackson said. "It is critical we continue with initiatives that demonstrate sustainable and renewable energy such as solar hot water technology."

Work on the three solar hot water projects is expected to get underway this spring.