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 Infrastructure Planning Grant program offers funding up to $10,000 to help local governments plan, design and manage infrastructure to improve public health and safety, protect the natural environment, and strengthen local and regional economies.

Grants can be used for a range of activities that assess the technical, environmental or economic feasibility of local government infrastructure projects. Local governments often use the plans and studies funded through infrastructure planning grants to support future capital infrastructure funding applications to the provincial and federal governments. 

Among the approved phase two infrastructure planning grants for 2016-17 are $10,000 for each of the following:

• City of Colwood – Stormwater Master Plan
• Village of Slocan – Source Water Sustainability Strategy
• Bulkley-Nechako Regional District – Asset Management Planning
• Central Okanagan Regional District – Phase Two Regional Floodplain Management Project

The Infrastructure Planning Grant program is one of the key ways the B.C. government is taking action to strengthen, grow and diversify rural communities. These projects build on the immediate investments and long-term action plan outlined in B.C.’s Rural Economic Development Strategy that are expected to create over 26,000 jobs and add $2.8 billion to provincial GDP.

Quote:

Peter Fassbender, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development –

“These grants help B.C. local governments plan for local infrastructure needs so that they can make the best use of resources while meeting the needs of their communities. Whether the grants help replace a water distribution system in Port Alice, conduct a geotechnical study in Midway, or create a guidebook for establishing wetlands in the Okanagan, this funding helps communities throughout British Columbia build a stronger future for their residents.”

Quick Facts:

• In September 2016, $299,315 in infrastructure planning grants for 31 B.C. local governments were announced at the Union of British Columbia Municipalities annual convention.
• The B.C. government’s investment of over $500,000 in infrastructure planning grants in 2016-17 contributes to the record investments in modern, safe infrastructure projects throughout the province that are creating high paying, family supporting jobs.

Learn More:

For a complete list of phase two 2016-17 infrastructure planning grants: http://www.cscd.gov.bc.ca/lgd/infra/library/IPGP_Fiscal_2016-17_Round_2_Approved_Projects_March_2017_FINAL.pdf