Government is continuing to support rural communities with a $733,523 investment under the Rural Education Enhancement Fund (REEF) to help the Okanagan Skaha School District keep Trout Creek elementary in Trout Creek and West Bench elementary in West Bench open.

The Province is providing over $628,000 to support a two-year pilot project for the viticulture technician diploma program at Okanagan College, developed in partnership with the BC Wine Grape Council.

As boating season approaches in the South Okanagan, the B.C. government is once again adding to its arsenal in the fight to help keep the province invasive mussel free.

The B.C. government is providing $107,300 to three organizations to help manage invasive plants in the southern Okanagan.

Students in the Okanagan-Skaha School District will benefit from over $1 million in provincial funding for school upgrade projects and classroom supplies, MLA Dan Ashton announced on behalf of Education Minister Mike Bernier.

Local governments in Penticton and area are receiving federal-provincial investments in critical clean water and wastewater infrastructure, announced MLA Dan Ashton of Penticton, on behalf of Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development Peter Fassbender.

Skilled trades students in the Okanagan-Skaha School District 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.

A $20,000 age-friendly grant has been provided to the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen to support a community planning and accessibility project.

Peachland is receiving a joint federal-provincial Small Communities Fund grant worth $6,960,000.

Building on the economic benefits and jobs created by getting to yes on major projects and provincial investments in infrastructure, Penticton MLA Dan Ashton 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 the Penticton area.