Rural Dividend Grants Award in Cariboo Region

Courtesy of the BC Government:

The British Columbia government is providing about $1.4 million to support 16 community projects in the Cariboo region, Doug Donaldson, Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, announced today.

The projects embrace a wide range of activities from the addition of new tourist attractions and improved marketing to the development of a community forest plan. The funding is part of more than $10.1 million being awarded to 90 eligible local governments, First Nations and not-for-profit organizations under the BC Rural Dividend program.

Projects in the Cariboo include:

$100,000 to ?Esdilagh First Nation so it can build a cultural arbour as part of a reconciliation, healing and tourism destination centre in the community.

$100,000 to the Big Lake Community Association to develop a community forest agreement application and forest management plan.

$72,305 to the Fraser Basin Council to implement Project Comeback in Quesnel to attract and retain young adults.

The Deka Lake and District Ratepayers Association and Tl’etinqox Government were each awarded $100,000 under the special circumstances provision because of the impacts of the summer’s wildfires.

The Rural Dividend program provides grants of up to $100,000 each for single applicants, and up to $500,000 for partnerships to help rural communities stabilize their economies and create long-term local employment.

The program is under review and it is being determined how best to distribute the remaining Rural Dividend funds, taking into account the community impacts of this year's wildfire season and other exceptional circumstances.

Rural development activities support government’s commitment to building a strong, sustainable and innovative economy that creates well-paying jobs for all British Columbians.

The Hon. Doug Donaldson - BC's Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development said:

“This new funding will help rural communities grow their economies and create jobs – now and for the next generation.”

A detailed list of grants awarded can be viewed here