Communities in the Kitimat-Stikine region are receiving a combined $20.4 million from the Province to help address long-standing infrastructure needs and support planning for future opportunities.

The following communities in Kitimat-Stikine will receive the new grant:

• Kitimat-Stikine Regional District: $4,640,000
• Kitimat: $1,556,000
• Terrace: $8,197,000
• Hazelton: $2,148,000
• New Hazelton: $2,580,000
• Stewart: $1,294,000

The grant payments are part of the recently announced $100-million Northern Capital and Planning Grant, which provides funding for infrastructure and long-term planning to four regional districts (Fraser-Fort George, Bulkley-Nechako, Kitimat-Stikine and North Coast) and their 22 participating municipalities.

“We’ve been hearing from local governments in northern B.C. about the challenges they face funding much-needed upgrades to their aging infrastructure, and I know this new grant will help close the gap,” said Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “With this funding, communities can start moving forward on the initiatives they need to seize opportunities now and down the road.”

Local governments may use the grant to meet an immediate infrastructure need for their community, save it for a future opportunity, or leverage it to secure other sources of funding, including borrowing, reserves and other grant programs, to cover major infrastructure and long-term planning initiatives.

“Northern communities have contributed more than their fair share of hard work and resources to the wealth of this province,” said Doug Donaldson, Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations and MLA for Stikine. “These grants will help municipalities make the most of new opportunities for the development of modern infrastructure in the region.”

The release of funds to local governments follows the announcement of the Northern Capital and Planning Grant by Premier John Horgan and Robinson on Feb. 16, 2019.

The Northern Capital and Planning Grant is part of the Province’s commitment to northwest mayors to make sure local workers and communities can reap the full benefits of resource development in their region.

Quotes:

Carol Leclerc, mayor of Terrace –

“The City of Terrace wishes to express its gratitude to the Province of British Columbia and, specifically, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, for the timely and much-needed Northern Capital and Planning Grant. In partnership with our neighbouring local governments, our city council has been working hard to advocate for revenue-sharing and additional supports for our pressing infrastructure needs. This grant offers us the flexibility to direct one-time funds into priority community projects so that we are better positioned to accommodate an influx of new residents, workers and businesses.”

Gina McKay, mayor of Stewart –

“The District of Stewart is thankful to receive these funds to assist in dealing with the resource-based growth in our community. We will be able to use these funds to cope with the demand on infrastructure and other services that come with being the host community for industrial growth.”

Quick Facts:

• The LNG Canada facility is expected to bring an influx of people into the region. The Northern Capital and Planning Grant will help local governments improve infrastructure and services for the new and existing population.
• The 22 municipalities received a total of $83.7 million and the four regional districts received $16.3 million.
• Small communities received a larger proportional share of the grant to compensate for their reduced commercial and industrial tax base.

A backgrounder follows.