A government press release about the fifth intake of the BC Rural Dividend Program, a part of the governments rural development mandate, notes that 68 local governments, First Nations and not-for-profit organizations were awarded grants. The grants totaled $673,124, and are to be utilized for projects to support rural communities and to reinvigorate and diversity local economies throughout B.C.
Neighbouring communities were successful in various grant bids. They include –
The Golden Community Social Services Coop: $10,000
Salmon Arm Shuswap Lifeboat Society: $10,000
The District of Sicamous: $10,000
The Nakusp and District Chamber of Commerce: $10,000
Kootenay Sufferfest Society (Nakusp): $10,000
At this time it is unknown to the Revelstoke Current whether Revelstoke groups applied and were not successful, or if there were no applications to consider.
The press release states –
“It takes a lot of hard work to develop ideas that can stimulate local prosperity and create jobs for small communities,” said Doug Donaldson, Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development. “Rural citizens are resourceful, and the calibre of these project development applications reflects their ingenuity and commitment to community development.”
Under the Rural Dividend project development funding stream, up to $10,000 is provided to eligible applicants to do preliminary work that is necessary to pursue larger community projects in the future.
Successful project development grants range from the Tsal’alh First Nation to develop a clean energy plan, to the Slocan and District Chamber of Commerce to create a resident attraction strategy for the North Slocan Valley, and the District of Houston for a housing needs assessment.
In Budget 2018, the Government of British Columbia committed to extending the $25 million per year Rural Dividend to 2020-21. Final decisions on project applications for single applicants (up to $100,000) and partnerships (up to $500,000) will be announced in February 2019.
The Rural Dividend is one aspect of government’s rural development mandate, which is committed to making rural communities more resilient.
Quick Facts:
- Projects were assessed and approved based on the following criteria:
- rural communities most in need
- improved community resiliency and economic strength
- partnership building and enhanced shared prosperity
- project feasibility and sustainability
- economic impact on rural communities
- attracting and retaining youth
- innovation in economic development
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