Amrik Virk, B.C. Minister of Technology, Innovation and Citizens’ Services and the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development announced a $40-million partnership to support the development of pre-commercial clean-energy projects and technologies.

A housing study for First Nations Elders and developing social networks are among the projects benefiting seniors in the 18 B.C. communities receiving a total of $342,430 in age-friendly community planning and project grants this year.

Richard Lee, MLA for Burnaby North, on behalf of Premier Christy Clark, presented the Medal of Good Citizenship to Lou Ryan, a well-known North Burnaby citizen, and Lou’s son Bradley on behalf of his late father Ken Ryan.

A partnership between the British Columbia government, S.U.C.C.E.S.S. and the City of Vancouver will create 109 units of new affordable housing for low- to moderate-income individuals, seniors and families.

A $20,000 age-friendly grant has been provided to three North Shore municipalities to support the creation of a dementia-friendly action plan.

A $20,000 age-friendly grant has been provided to the District of Wells to support its aging well in Wells community plan.

A $19,430 age-friendly grant has been provided to City of Vernon to support a local community garden.

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

A $20,000 age-friendly grant has been provided to the Village of Lytton to support its seniors housing action plan.

A $20,000 age-friendly grant has been provided to the Village of Granisle to help expand its Healthy Granisle project.