Under the BC Rural Dividend, the Province is providing $248,431 to Nadleh Whut’en First Nation, Yekooche First Nation, Tl'azt'en Nation Education and the District of Fort St. James, MLA for Nechako Lakes John Rustad 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.

Nadleh Whut’en First Nation is being awarded $75,000 to complete the Nadleh Whut’en Land Use Plan. Funding of $51,734 to the Yekooche First Nation will allow them to offer staff introductory courses in leadership, management and economic development at Nicola Valley Institute of Technology.

Tl'azt'en Nation receives $99,197 to develop and implement an evening education and recreation program for its members, including healthy eating and exercise sessions.

The District of Fort St. James will receive $22,500 to develop a strategy and action plan to provide affordable housing for families and seniors in the Fort St. James area.

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, 2016. More details are available online at: www.gov.bc.ca/ruraldividend

Quotes:

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.”

MLA for Nechako Lakes John Rustad –

“The provision of almost $250,000 will help enrich the lives of individuals and families living in Nechako Lakes, as well as provide a much-needed economic stimulus to these northern communitites.”

Parliamentary Secretary Donna Barnett –

“The second project intake window runs until 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
• Rural Advisory Council: http://ow.ly/NFhU301MfRv