Under the BC Rural Dividend Program, the Government of British Columbia is providing $271,544 for four projects in the South Okanagan.

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.

“This funding supports the diverse needs of small towns 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 small cities and towns in every region, creating jobs and enhancing everyday services and amenities for families around the province.”

• The Corporation of the Town of Oliver is being awarded $71,802 to develop an economic development strategy that will help identify new business opportunities and promote economic development partnerships for the town.
• The District of Summerland is being awarded $99,992 to strengthen the district’s agriculture sector. The project will hire an agriculture development specialist to support local agricultural businesses. Its scope includes increasing productivity, reducing costs and promoting Summerland as an agri-tourism destination.
• The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association is being awarded $99,750 to attract Indigenous tourism to the region. This project includes developing a business model for mobile Indigenous visitor centres and artisan retail outlets, and creating a digital and marketing strategy.

“These projects are a reflection of the needs and priorities of local communities and will go a long way towards creating new business, tourism and economic development opportunities for people who live and work in these areas,” said Jinny Sims, Minister of Citizens’ Services. 

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.

“Visitors to B.C. are drawn to the authentic cultural experiences Indigenous tourism offers. With more than 400 Indigenous tourism operators in our province, our new strategic framework looks at ways we can further partner with communities to grow this sector even more,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture. “Supporting Indigenous tourism is one way we can drive economic growth in rural areas and celebrate the rich heritage of Indigenous peoples in B.C.”  

Additionally, $673,124 were 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 2021-22.

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