Provincial grant supports healthier living in the Cariboo

Courtesy of the BC Government Caucus:

A total of $25,000 from the B.C. Government will be shared by Wells and the Cariboo Regional District to plan for healthier communities, Cariboo North MLA Coralee Oakes and Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett announced today.

The community of Wells is receiving $5,000 to support the creation of a long-term community wellness strategy. In addition, the Cariboo Regional District is receiving two grants: $15,000 to complete a community healthy living action plan for the Bouchie Lake and Parkland communities in the North Cariboo, and $5,000 to identify ways in which South and Central Cariboo mental health service providers and healthy living programs can collaborate to improve mental and physical health.

“The quality of life for all of our residents is enhanced when we work together as one to improve physical and mental health in our communities,” said Cariboo North MLA Coralee Oakes. “I’m pleased this funding will support the Cariboo Regional District and the community of Wells improve healthy living in the Cariboo.”

“The province, local governments, organizations, and residents are coming together in support of community health and wellbeing,” said Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett. “This funding allows us to work together to make our communities healthier, better places for everyone.”

This grant is awarded under the Healthy Communities Capacity Building Grant, which supports local government in learning about the needs of their residents in the fields of mental health, physical activity and literacy. More than 150 applications were received from communities across the province for projects as diverse as active transportation planning and urban agriculture promotion.

“Though B.C. is one of the healthiest provinces in Canada, we must continue to work together at all levels of government to foster health-minded citizens and communities,” Minister of Health Terry Lake said. “It is important for healthy living to start where we live, work, learn and play. These grants help support local governments to work collaboratively within their communities to make lasting change in the health of British Columbians.”