Under the BC Rural Dividend Program, the Government of British Columbia is providing $207,540 for four projects on north Vancouver Island.

“These projects will help communities replace diesel with solar energy, expand business and tourism opportunities and advance First Nations self-governance,” said Claire Trevena, MLA for North Island.

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.

• The Village of Gold River is being awarded $29,140 to develop a plan to create a business improvement area in consultation with local merchants. Among other things, it will include a shop local campaign and explore the feasibility of free Wi-Fi downtown and a business ambassador program to support and welcome prospective investors and entrepreneurs.
• Kwakiutl Indian Band is being awarded $20,000 to support the development of a lands and resources department, part of its platform to build community programs and processes.
• The Regional District of Mount Waddington is being awarded $58,400 to complete facility and business planning documents for a hut-to-hut experience on the 58-kilometre North Coast Trail.
• Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation is being awarded $100,000 to install a solar panel electricity system at the general store in Yuquot. It will decrease community reliance on diesel generators and train community members to operate and maintain the system, enabling future expansion.

“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