Under the BC Rural Dividend, the Province is providing $10,000 in a new grant to the Tumbler Ridge Global Geopark (TRGG) Society, MLA for Peace River South Mike Bernier announced today.

$10,000 is being awarded to the geopark society to develop the Tumbler Ridge Global Geopark Education Program. In 2014, the TRGG was classified and recognized under UNESCO as only the second global geopark in North America. As part of its mandate in maintaining the UNESCO designation, the TRGG society has a responsibility to develop educational tool kits and interpretative programs for the geopark.

This is one of 77 successful project development grants. More than $756,000 is being awarded to eligible communities, First Nations and non-profit organizations under the three-year, $75-million BC Rural Dividend.

One hundred eligible project development applications were received from around the province during the second application intake.

The BC Rural Dividend is designed to help eligible rural communities diversify and strengthen their economies and contribute to their overall wellness and sustainability. The program will contribute to the strength and sustainability of small rural communities. It is a key commitment from the 2015 Union of British Columbia Municipalities convention and the Province’s Balanced Budget 2016.

Funding of $25 million per year, over three years, is available in four categories:

• community capacity building;
• workforce development;
• community and economic development; and
• business-sector development.

The BC Rural Dividend is one of the ways the B.C. government is taking action to strengthen rural communities. To support the needs of rural communities and grow local economies, the Province will be releasing a Rural Economic Development Strategy in the near future. The strategy will help rural communities leverage their strengths and build on the significant contributions they have made to B.C.’s economy, creating new economic opportunities and enriching the unique lifestyle advantages rural B.C. has to offer.

Quotes:

MLA for Peace River South Mike Bernier –

“This grant provides a unique opportunity for Tumbler Ridge, one that will attract travelers of all ages, locally and from across the continent, to participate in eco-tourism, outdoor exploration, geo-heritage education and provide a boost to the local economy.”

Minister of State for Rural Economic Development Donna Barnett –

“The BC Rural Dividend was developed to ensure that rural British Columbians can share in economic opportunities now and into the future. These investments will build capacity in rural communities and lay the foundation for future growth, economic certainty and opportunity for all British Columbians.”

Learn More:

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