The British Columbia government is distributing over $528,000 in project development grants to help rural communities develop strong, stable economies and create long-term local employment, Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development Doug Donaldson announced today.

Under the BC Rural Dividend, the provincial government is providing $100,000 to the Fort Nelson region.

Opportunities for increased local forest stewardship near Likely and Big Lake, east of Williams Lake, could become reality following an invitation from Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Steve Thomson to the Likely-Xatśūll Community Forest and Big Lake Community Association to apply for a community forest agreement.

Opportunities for greater input into local forest management are expanding near Fort Nelson following an invitation from Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Steve Thomson to the Fort Nelson First Nation and Northern Rockies Regional Municipality to apply for a community forest agreement.

Building on the economic benefits and jobs created by getting to yes on major projects and provincial investments in infrastructure, Premier Christy Clark and Minister of State For Rural Economic Development Donna Barnett released the Province’s rural economic development strategy, detailing immediate investments and a long-term action plan to support thriving rural communities.

Building on the economic benefits and jobs created by getting to yes on major projects and provincial investments in infrastructure, MLA for Kamloops-South Thompson Todd Stone and MLA for Kamloops-North Thompson Terry Lake announced immediate investments outlined in B.C.’s rural economic development strategy that will create jobs and economic opportunities in the Kamloops region.

The Robson Valley is receiving $300,000 from the B.C. Rural Dividend.