As part of its rural development mandate, the Government of British Columbia is providing a total of $49,960 to five community organizations and First Nations in the Thompson 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.”

• Blue River Powder Packers is being awarded $10,000 to complete a feasibility study for building a bridge to link two recreation areas.
• Nicola Valley Agri Park Society is being awarded $10,000 to create a business plan to provide a foundation for organizational structure, society development, and to identify funding and partnership opportunities.
• Simpcw First Nations is being awarded $9,960 to develop a business plan and a cost analysis for an Aboriginal Cultural Education Centre.
• Tourism Wells Gray Association is being awarded $10,000 to develop a feasibility study that will look at how to improve the recreational snowmobiling experience in Clearwater and Wells Gray Country.
• Village of Cache Creek is being awarded $10,000 to begin the foundational work required to revitalize their downtown core.

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