Under the BC Rural Dividend, the Province is providing $140,000 to the communities of Summerland and Peachland, Penticton MLA Dan Ashton announced today.

The funding is part of the $8.1 million being provided to 73 local governments, First Nations and not-for-profit organizations around the province.

The District of Summerland will receive $100,000 to develop a long-term economic development strategy action plan, a marketing strategy and research into developing an “agri-tech” sector.

The District of Peachland receives $40,000 to review transportation options and alternatives to meet the current and long-term needs of the community.

The BC Rural Dividend program provides grants of up to $100,000 each for single applicants, and up to $500,000 for partnerships, to promote economic diversity while contributing to a community’s overall liveability and sustainability.

Funding is available in four categories: community capacity building, workforce development, community and economic development, and business sector development.

As part of a continuous improvement process, the program’s eligibility requirements were reviewed over the summer months. The updated BC Rural Dividend Program Guide is now available online. The second intake of the BC Rural Dividend runs until Oct. 31. More details are available online at: www.gov.bc.ca/ruraldividend

Quotes:

Penticton MLA Dan Ashton –

“The Rural Dividend is a great opportunity for us to give back to the smaller communities that have contributed to the strong growth of B.C.’s economy. I congratulate our local recipients for their work to improve their local economies and infrastructure, and look forward to seeing the fruits of this funding in the years to come.”

Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Steve Thomson –

“The response to the first application intake for projects was overwhelming. The diversity of applications received reflects that the Rural Dividend is applicant driven. Communities have submitted applications that are best suited to the unique needs of their community.”

Parliamentary Secretary Donna Barnett –

“The second project intake window runs to Oct. 31, which will see more communities benefit. One of the benefits of the Rural Dividend is that communities can apply as often as they like.”

Quick Facts:

• The BC Rural Dividend is part of government’s multi-faceted response to assisting rural communities and complements existing initiatives supporting rural communities.
• The criteria for the BC Rural Dividend were developed with input from the 13-member Rural Advisory Council, which was formed in March 2015.

Learn More:

Rural Dividend: www.gov.bc.ca/ruraldividend