Under the BC Rural Dividend Program, the Government of British Columbia is providing $102,014 for two projects in the Robson Valley that will support economic diversity and promote traditional skill development in the area.

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 Village of McBride is being awarded $92,014 to develop a tourism master plan that will help move the village away from its dependence on the resource sector and position itself as a world-class tourist destination.

The Valley Museum and Archives Society is being awarded $10,000 to support Phase 1 of a project that will create an outdoor museum space, develop programs and host traditional skills workshops.

“B.C.’s tourism industry creates opportunities for people to get out and enjoy outdoor activities close to home, while providing good-paying jobs and business opportunities,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture. “We are investing in the sector’s continued growth to make sure people in communities around the province will see benefits from tourism throughout the year.”

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 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