Thirty communities throughout British Columbia are receiving a boost in funding of $282,000 in grants to help local governments plan, design and manage sustainable infrastructure.

The Infrastructure Planning Grant Program helps local governments determine how best to manage their assets and finances for the long-term benefit of their communities. These grants also help local governments meet the requirements to apply for significant capital infrastructure funding in their communities.

“The Infrastructure Planning Grant Program is a way for the Province to help set up local governments for success,” said Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “In my conversations with local government representatives at the recent Union of BC Municipalities convention, I heard that infrastructure is a priority. These grants will help ensure infrastructure is delivered through careful planning and collaborative solutions, which will benefit local communities.”

Infrastructure Planning Grants of up to $10,000 are available to local governments to help improve or develop comprehensive long-term plans for infrastructure, such as water, wastewater and drainage. Eligible projects also include plans that address other aspects of community sustainability, such as energy and asset management, as well as feasibility studies for infrastructure initiatives.

The Village of Kaslo is a recent recipient of an Infrastructure Planning Grant.

“Over the years the Village of Kaslo has worked diligently to develop adaptive solutions to specific problems with stormwater and snowmelt,” said Suzan Hewat, mayor of Kaslo. “However, we recognize the need to develop a more permanent stormwater management strategy and the Infrastructure Planning Grant from the Province will help us to develop that plan. The community needs a plan to manage the effects of climate change, higher winter snow loads and significant rain events that are occurring with greater frequency. New solutions to stormwater challenges are needed throughout town and proper planning now will benefit our citizens during the decades ahead.”

In partnership with the federal government and local governments, the Province supported communities in B.C. through a number of infrastructure programs, including through recent commitments under the New Building Canada – Small Communities Fund and the Clean Water and Wastewater Fund, which are fully subscribed.

Learn more about infrastructure grants available to local governments at: http://www.cscd.gov.bc.ca/lgd/infra/infrastructure_grants/

Quick Facts:

• The 29 local governments (representing 30 communities) receiving Infrastructure Planning Grants are: Burns Lake, Campbell River, Chase, Chilliwack, Clearwater, Clinton, Courtenay, Duncan, Enderby, Gold River, Harrison Hot Springs, Kaslo, Kelowna, Ladysmith, Lytton, New Westminster, North Vancouver (District), Port Hardy, Port McNeill, Wells, Zeballos, Bulkley-Nechako Regional District, Central Okanagan Regional District, Comox Valley Regional District, Fraser-Fort George Regional District, Kootenay Boundary Regional District (two communities), Nanaimo Regional District, North Okanagan Regional District and Powell River Regional District.
• The Infrastructure Planning Grant operates on a year-round open intake.
• The next round of decision for the program will be based on applications submitted by Jan. 17, 2018.
• Local governments can use an Infrastructure Planning Grant for the assessment work needed for applying to a capital grant program.