The British Columbia government is providing $1.27 million to support six community projects in the province’s northeast region, Doug Donaldson, Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, announced today.

The funding is part of more than $10.1 million being awarded to 90 eligible local governments, First Nations and not-for-profit organizations under the BC Rural Dividend program.

The projects in northeast B.C. include:

• $174,835 is being awarded to the City of Fort St. John to develop and deliver Leaders’ Labs, a new model of strategic community engagement offered through the recently opened Community Development Institute, a collaboration between the city and the University of Northern British Columbia.
• $100,000 is being awarded to Community Futures Development Corporation Peace Liard so the South Peace Arts Council can fund two headlining exhibits at the Dawson Creek Art Gallery, and develop new studio space to accommodate accessibility needs.
• $254,810 is being awarded to the District of Tumbler Ridge to complete an interpretive trail linking the Tumbler Ridge Visitor Centre with a pond about 400 metres south of it. Partners include the Tumbler Ridge Global Geopark Society and Tumbler Ridge Secondary school.
• $87,000 is being awarded to the Doig River First Nation to create an urban development plan focusing on locations within the City of Fort St. John and surrounding regional district.
• $300,000 is being awarded to the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality to maximize economic returns from aspen forests, in partnership with FPInnovations, and diversify the economy of Fort Nelson.
• $358,000 is being awarded to the Tumbler Ridge Global Geopark Society to build a shelter farm and training centre to showcase the capacity of small-scale agriculture and train youth in business management and marketing. The project, which also involves the District of Tumbler Ridge, aims to increase food security and educate aspiring farmers.

The Rural Dividend program provides grants of up to $100,000 each for single applicants, and up to $500,000 for partnerships to help rural communities stabilize their economies and create long-term local employment.

The program is under review and it is being determined how best to distribute the remaining Rural Dividend funds, taking into account the community impacts of this year's wildfire season and other exceptional circumstances.

Rural development activities support government’s commitment to building a strong, sustainable and innovative economy that creates well-paying jobs for all British Columbians.

Quotes:

Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development Doug Donaldson –

“This new funding will help rural communities grow their economies and create jobs–now and for the next generation.”

Quick Facts:

• Projects were assessed and approved based on the following criteria:
  • Rural communities most in need.
  • Improved community resiliency and economic strength.
  • Partnership building and enhanced shared prosperity.
  • Project feasibility and sustainability.
  • Economic impact on rural communities.
  • Attracting and retaining youth.
  • Innovation in economic development.

Learn More:

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