Under the BC Rural Dividend, the Province is providing $35,000 in new grants to the Nechako region, MLA for Nechako Lakes John Rustad announced today.

Bulkley Backcountry Ski Society is being awarded $5,000 for the Ashman Ridge to Paleo Peak traverse project that will prepare a report to ensure backcountry cabins are not built on avalanche paths, have access to water, wood for winter heating and multiple access routes.

In Fort St. James, the Fireweed Collective Society will receive $10,000 for their housing cooperative to develop a business plan to build four small homes to provide safe, affordable housing for women fleeing abuse. The Stuart Lake Nordic Society receives $10,000 to hire a coordinator to oversee project development and management of the Murray Ridge Nordic Trails Upgrade project.

The Village of Fraser Lake is getting $10,000 to conduct a feasibility study for the development of additional walking trails, all season trails and upgrades to existing trails in and around Fraser Lake.

These are four 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 Nechako Lakes John Rustad –

“By facilitating improvements and expansions for our businesses and the development of places like Fraser Lake, the Rural Dividend Fund is making a real contribution to our communities. It’s great to see these funds come to the Nechako Lakes region.”

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