Under the BC Rural Dividend Program, the Government of British Columbia is providing $100,000 each to the District of Kent and Skawahlook First Nation for two projects that will support community sustainability and outdoor recreation opportunities, Doug Donaldson, Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, announced today.

“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,” said Donaldson. “These rural dividend grants are bringing positive change to rural communities throughout B.C.”

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.

• The District of Kent is being awarded $100,000 to develop a community industrial sustainability plan to identify future industrial uses in the district, and their corresponding land needs. The plan will assess industrial and agricultural capacity, as well as suitability.
• Skawahlook First Nation is being awarded $100,000 to complete phase one of the Skawahlook Signature Destination Trail Initiative. This includes completing engineering and technical studies, designing and building a bridge, and constructing trails.

Earlier this month, nearly $5 million was granted to fund 30 projects in wildfire-impacted areas and two communities 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