Under the BC Rural Dividend Program, the Government of British Columbia is providing $500,000 to the Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine for a partnership project to build a year-round community recreation centre for the region.

“The new recreation centre is a great example of northern co-operation, collaboration and community spirit. I know it will become a gathering place for the community,” said Doug Donaldson, Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development and MLA for Stikine. “Our government is getting results for people in small communities in every region, creating jobs and enhancing everyday services and amenities for families around the province.”

The new Upper Skeena Recreation Centre will deliver programs and services for all ages, sporting abilities and cultural interests.

“With funding from the Rural Dividend fund, the Upper Skeena Rec Centre can focus on the hiring of staff, the purchase and installation of a gymnasium floor and fitness equipment,” said Phil Germuth, chair, Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine. “This facility will live up to being the ‘heart of the Hazeltons.’”

The Regional District of Upper Skeena, Electoral Area B, applied for Rural Dividend funding in partnership with the Village of Hazelton, District of New Hazelton, Gitxsan Government Commission, Gitxsan Hereditary Chiefs and the Skeena Ice Arena Association.

The Rural Dividend is one aspect of government’s rural development mandate, which commits to supporting rural communities to reinvigorate and diversify their local economies. In Budget 2019, the Government of British Columbia committed to extending the $25-million-per-year Rural Dividend to 2021-22.

Quick Facts:

• 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.
• More than $4.6 million has been awarded under special circumstances around the province from 2018-19 funding.
• In January 2019, the Province also provided $673,124 in project development grants to 68 local governments, First Nations and not-for-profit organizations around B.C.
• These grants help fund projects that will stabilize and diversify rural economies throughout the province. Grants can be up to $100,000 for a single applicant project or up to $500,000 for partnership projects.

Learn More:

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

Upper Skeena Recreation Centre: http://heartofthehazeltons.ca/