Eight local governments in the Peace River region will share in the second $50 million payment from the B.C. government to help the regional economy support a strong industrial service sector for the oil and gas industry into the future.

An innovative partnership between the Province, the BC Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA) and the Directorate of Agencies for School Health (DASH BC) means previously announced government funding for 1,000 before- and after-school arts and recreation spaces will go further thanks to those organizations’ existing partnerships and corporate sponsors.

Twenty-one local governments throughout the province will share over $200,000 in B.C. government planning grants to help develop plans for local infrastructure investments. This is the second phase of funding following almost $300,000 in infrastructure planning grants awarded to 31 local governments last fall.  

The BC Games Society is creating the Powering Potential Fund to support B.C.’s sport sector, thanks in part to up to $50,000 in matching funds from the B.C. government.

Communities throughout British Columbia continue to benefit from provincial funding made available through the Hosting BC grant program.

More than 300 artists and cultural organizations from 94 communities are benefiting from the latest round of BC Arts Council adjudications, which is awarding $7.5 million in grants.

B.C. students pursuing a career in the arts could receive up to $6,000 through the BC Arts Council’s Scholarship Awards, one of several grant programs now open for applications. Other programs with upcoming deadlines include project assistance for music, dance, theatre, media artists and the literary arts, as well as assistance for arts periodicals.

Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Peter Fassbender has ordered a municipal incorporation vote for Salt Spring Island electors on Sept. 9, 2017.

The B.C. government has approved a $35,000 Restructure Planning Grant to the Village of Valemount to study the impact of a municipal boundary extension that would include a proposed destination resort.

British Columbia plans to introduce a series of improvements to help the taxi industry modernize and remain competitive in anticipation of ride-sharing services coming to British Columbia by the holiday season at the end of 2017.