Forests
Under the BC Rural Dividend Program, the Government of British Columbia is providing nearly $1.3 million for 10 projects in the Shuswap region, Armstrong and Vernon.
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 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, more than $4.6 million in grants are being provided to the program’s special circumstances stream to help 23 applicants respond 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.
“These projects are driven locally to reflect the priorities of communities and people who live and work in these areas,” said Jinny Sims, Minister of Citizens’ Services. “This funding is helping move many exciting new initiatives forward, including projects that showcase First Nations culture, highlight environmental features for tourists and visitors, provide job training and create economic development opportunities.”
The Rural Dividend encourages economic diversification through community capacity building, workforce development, community and economic development, and business sector development.
“We are looking forward to launching the Real Estate Development Planning Project funded by the BC Rural Dividend program. Our planning will focus on band-owned properties suitable for economic development,” said Okanagan Indian Band Chief Byron Louis. “This initiative will provide assets that will create benefits for the band and the region through the development of commercial and light industrial sites available for leasing opportunities.”
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
A backgrounder follows.
