As part of its rural development mandate, the Government of British Columbia is providing $49,113 for projects in Summerland, Salmon Arm, Okanagan Falls and Tappen, 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, 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 District of Summerland is being awarded $10,000 to identify unrealized economic opportunities by creating an inventory for industrial, commercial and institutional land.
• The Summerland Museum and Archives Society is being awarded $9,913 to develop a fundraising needs assessment and action plan, with concrete goals for the next five years.
• The Okanagan Falls Heritage and Museum Society is being awarded $10,000 for a study of conservation options to preserve, restore or relocate Michael Keogan’s chimney, a certified heritage site containing all that remains of a local pioneer’s cabin.
• The Arts Council for the South Shuswap Society in Tappen is being awarded $9,200 to develop a one-stop Shuswap culture website in collaboration with Shuswap Tourism that includes event information and online ticketing and registration.
• The Shuswap Hut and Trail Alliance Society in Salmon Arm is being awarded $10,000 to prepare five technical field assessments and shelf-ready trail plans and, once they are reviewed by the Shuswap Trails Roundtable, prepare final plans for authorization.

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