Under the BC Rural Dividend Program, the Government of British Columbia is providing $769,680 to the Alberni Chamber of Commerce, Clayoquot Biosphere Trust Society and District of Tofino for three projects, Scott Fraser, MLA for Mid Island-Pacific Rim, announced today on behalf of Doug Donaldson, Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development.

“By listening to rural communities, we are able to support projects that deliver wide-ranging local benefits,” Fraser said. “These three projects alone will support business entrepreneurs, expand tourism opportunities, and deliver much-needed affordable housing.”

The funding is part of nearly $8 million in 58 project grants being awarded to eligible local governments, First Nations and not-for-profit organizations through the BC Rural Dividend Program. Rural dividend grants help fund projects that that will stabilize rural economies. Grants can be up to $100,000 each, or up to $500,000 each for partnership projects.

• Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce is being awarded $67,100 to provide entrepreneurial training for business owners and to identify skills which increase their chances of success, through workshops, a women’s business forum and a series of lunch-n-learn events for young professionals.
• Clayoquot Biosphere Trust Society is being awarded $202,580 to continue education-tourism product development and market expansion, in partnership with local organizations and institutions, including Aauuknuk Lodge, Royal Roads University, Ucluelet Aquarium Society and Ucluelet Secondary school. The rural dividend funded earlier development activities.
• The District of Tofino is being awarded $500,000 to complete the design of the first phase of an affordable housing project, and to design 50 units of workforce housing on property owned by the district. It will work with the Tofino Bible Fellowship and Tofino Housing Corporation.

“Government is following through on its commitment to help rural communities navigate changes that have impacted local economies, by supporting local business development and creating new partnerships to promote shared prosperity,” Donaldson said. “These rural dividend grants are bringing positive change to rural communities throughout B.C.”

Earlier this month, nearly $5 million was granted to fund 30 projects in wildfire-impacted areas and two communities that were affected by the shutdown of local mills.

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

As part of Budget 2018, the Government of British Columbia committed to extending the $25-million-per-year rural dividend to 2020-21. The rural dividend is one aspect of government’s rural development mandate, which is committed to making rural communities more resilient.

Learn More:

BC Rural Dividend Program: www.gov.bc.ca/ruraldividend