From soil to sunshine to scenic vineyards, wineries throughout B.C. are giving British Columbians a diverse sensory experience that is as extraordinary as the province itself.

Students in the Okanagan-Similkameen School District will benefit from over $1.3 million in provincial funding for school upgrade projects and classroom supplies, MLA Linda Larson announced on behalf of Education Minister Mike Bernier.

The B.C. government has committed $5 million to reroute the Town of Oliver’s agricultural irrigation system so the region’s fruit, vegetable and crop economy has the stability to grow.

Skilled trades students in the Okanagan-Similkameen and Boundary school districts will benefit from a three-year, $15-million investment by the B.C. government to support youth trades programs with the purchase of new trades training equipment.

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen is receiving a joint federal-provincial Small Communities Fund grant worth $6,606,224.

Building on the economic benefits and jobs created by getting to yes on major projects and provincial investments in infrastructure, Boundary-Similkameen MLA Linda Larson announced immediate investments and a long-term action plan outlined in B.C.’s rural economic development strategy that will create jobs and economic opportunities in Boundary-Similkameen.

The world is changing and B.C. students need to be ready to adapt to the careers of tomorrow. Students in the Okanagan Similkameen School District will be prepared thanks to $22,500 in provincial funding awarded to the district, helping to connect kids with opportunities in skilled trades and tech training. 

Families in the Okanagan-Similkameen school district will benefit from improved transportation services, thanks to $209,099 in funding under the new provincial Student Transportation Fund.

The on-time, on-budget completion of the new $200-million Okanagan Correctional Centre (OCC) puts a lock on more options to safely house inmates throughout British Columbia – and adds 300 jobs in the South Okanagan for correctional officers and support staff.

Boundary-Similkameen MLA Linda Larson, on behalf of Suzanne Anton, Attorney General and Minister of Justice, announced three new deputy sheriffs will be assigned to the Sheriff’s Office located at the Okanagan Correction Centre, and will assist in nearby courthouses until that time.