Under the BC Rural Dividend Program, the Government of British Columbia is providing $204,260 to Community Futures Sunshine Coast, the City of Powell River, Tla’amin First Nation and the District of Sechelt for four projects on the Sunshine Coast.

“These are great projects that will help us draw more visitors to the Sunshine Coast by funding improvements to local trail systems, as well as strengthening the region’s economic viability,” said  Nicholas Simons, MLA for Powell River-Sunshine Coast.

Almost $19 million in 153 single-applicant and partnership project grants are being awarded to eligible local governments, First Nations and not-for-profit organizations through the Rural Dividend Program.

These grants help fund projects that support economic development and diversification in rural communities throughout the province. Grants can be up to $100,000 for a single-applicant project or up to $500,000 for partnership projects.

• Community Futures Sunshine Coast is being awarded $85,340 to support the design and planning for an integrated community resource lab that will lead to increased economic viability in the community.
• The City of Powell River is being awarded $64,000 to work with an aviation consultant to create a comprehensive master plan to guide infrastructure, facility and business development programs at the Powell River Airport to increase its financial viability and economic impact.
• District of Sechelt is being awarded $25,140 to complete the remaining portion of the Suncoaster Trail that connects Sechelt Airport and Roberts Creek.
• Tla’amin First Nation is being awarded $29,780 to upgrade the Tla’amin Trails system by adding interpretive signage, a suspension bridge and a five-kilometre link to the Sunshine Coast Trail.

“This funding supports the diverse needs of small communities throughout the province and the people who live in them,” said Doug Donaldson, Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development. “Our government is getting results for people in every region, creating jobs and enhancing everyday services and amenities for families around the province.”

As well, over $4.6 million in grants are being provided to the program’s special circumstances stream to support 23 applicants responding to economic challenges resulting from the loss of a main employer or the impacts of a natural disaster.

Additionally, $673,124 was awarded through the project development stream to communities around the province to complete preliminary work to support future projects.

The Rural Dividend encourages economic diversification through community capacity building, workforce development, community and economic development, and business sector development.

The Government of British Columbia has 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 commits to making rural communities more resilient.

Learn More:

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