As part of its rural development mandate, the Government of British Columbia is providing $64,492 for seven projects in northwest B.C., 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.”

• The Atlin Historical Society is being awarded $8,600 to explore options and details for upgrades to the historic Atlin Courthouse, which houses the local library and a co-operative for local artists.
• The Cycle 16 Trail Society is being awarded $10,000 to develop detailed engineering drawings for the first phase of the Smithers to Telkwa Multi-Use Trail.
• The Dease River Development Corporation at Good Hope Lake is being awarded $10,000 to create a business plan for the first year of operations for the Dease River First Nation’s Woodland Forest Licence.
• The District of Houston is being awarded $10,000 to develop a downtown beautification plan based on the district’s “natural amazing” brand.
• The City of Terrace is being awarded $10,000 to complete a feasibility assessment of the Skeena River Walk, the third and final section of the Grand Trunk Pathway that links the downtown area to the Kitsumkalum River.
• My Recreational Mountain Co-operative in Terrace is being awarded $5,892 to promote safe backcountry adventures at the Shames Mountain Ski Area by installing signs and a beacon check station at a spot where backcountry users leave the inbounds area.
• The Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine (Area E and Area C) is being awarded $10,000 to develop a business case for upgrading the Thornhill Community Centre so it can accommodate more recreational and community programs.     

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