Connecting with like-minded people to make things happen is a key foundation of community social services and the non-profit sector overall.

In the Kootenay Rockies region, eight communities with local economies that depend heavily on visitors have received almost $5 million to support tourism infrastructure development.

In the Interior, 97 arts and culture organizations have received $2.3 million through the B.C. government’s StrongerBC plan for economic recovery.

Ten arts and culture groups in the Kootenays and the Thompson Okanagan are getting more than $317,000 help to improve their spaces or buy equipment.

People travelling Highway 3A/Highway 31 will see tree clearing and other construction activity near the Balfour and Kootenay Bay ferry terminals this winter as part of the project to improve Kootenay Lake ferry service.

Work will begin later this year on a new electric-ready ferry for Kootenay Lake, providing passengers with a larger, cleaner and more accessible vessel.

Residents from four Kootenay communities will benefit from new and improved pedestrian and cycling infrastructure.