As part of its rural development mandate, the Government of British Columbia is providing a total of $139,900 to 14 community organizations and First Nations in the Cariboo Region, Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development Minister Doug Donaldson announced today.

The funding is part of nearly $700,000 in project development grants being awarded to eligible local governments, First Nations and not-for-profit organizations under the BC Rural Dividend program. These grants, of up to $10,000 each, help rural communities develop projects to stabilize their economies and create long-term local employment.

“Congratulations to everyone involved,” said Donaldson. “The selected projects reflect the strength of rural communities – people working together for the good of the community.”

• Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association in Williams Lake is being awarded $9,992 to help tourism operators and businesses improve digital marketing to world markets through a feasibility study and database for digital readiness, and a foundation for future applications if gaps are identified.
• The Cariboo Mining Association in Quesnel is being awarded $10,000 to produce a Placer Mining Best Management Practices Guide to cover the basics of prospecting – with one document for hand operations and one for mechanical operations.
• The Carrier Chilcotin Tribal Council is being awarded $10,000 to create a framework for two of the main components of a project to enhance the 350-kilometre Nuxalk-Dakelh Grease Trail – restoration/maintenance logistics and promotion/marketing.
• The City of Quesnel is being awarded $10,000 to prepare an economic transition strategy for the city with measureable objectives, timelines and action steps.
• The District of Wells is being awarded $10,000 to complete a business recruitment, retention and expansion strategy to identify ways to support existing businesses and attract new ones.
• The Esk’etemc First Nation in Alkali Lake is being awarded $10,000 to update its economic development strategy, creating a foundation for the next five years by engaging with the community and working with a consultant to identify and support new opportunities.
• The Island Mountain Arts Society in Wells is being awarded $9,950 to purchase donor management systems and find other ways to increase the sources and types of funding to offset annual operations.
• The McLeese Lake Volunteer Fire Department Society is being awarded $9,958 to train and upgrade the skills of its volunteer members so they can be on the BC Wildfire Service standby list for wildfire season, and can train to become first responders.
• The North Cariboo Agricultural Marketing Association in Quesnel is being awarded $10,000 to help the newly formed North Cariboo Agricultural Development Advisory Committee establish a Quesnel Agriculture Centre that will encourage retention, expansion and development of agri-businesses and farms in the region by providing a knowledge hub for best practices.
• The Pet Safe Coalition Society of Canada in Quesnel is being awarded $10,000 to develop a post-wildfire strategic plan so it can identify ways to more effectively prepare for future disasters.
• The Quesnel and District Heritage Association is being awarded $10,000 for a 10-year strategic plan to develop the Quesnel Antique Machinery Park into an attractive historical tourism destination for the North Cariboo.
• The Quesnel Crafters Society is being awarded $10,000 to create a marketing plan to expand their market for high-quality art and artisan products, and increase opportunities for their Cariboo Keepsakes retail store.
• The Quesnel Rodeo Club is being awarded $10,000 for a marketing strategy that identifies opportunities, potential partners and strategies to reach future participants and potential audiences.
• The Sunset Theatre Society in Wells is being awarded $10,000 to assess the requirements for a touring and outreach program to bring plays developed by First Nations artists through its exploration series to the Cariboo Region and beyond.

The rural dividend encourages economic diversification, innovation, sustainability and collaboration, and recognizes the diverse needs of individual communities.

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