Under the BC Rural Dividend, the provincial government is providing $9,971 in a new project development grant to the Simpcw First Nation, MLA for Kamloops-North Thompson Terry Lake announced Feb. 17.
The Simpcw Resources Limited Liability Partnership will use the funds to develop a feasibility study that will look at opportunities to create a prime contractor company to take advantage of the development of the Valemount Glacier Destination Resort.
“This study is intended to lead to new opportunities that will expand tourism in our region and make it a more attractive place to live and work. Job development is a top priority and we want to support effective partnerships,” said Lake.
BC Rural Dividend also is providing $10,000 in a new project development grant to the Village of McBride.
McBride will use the money to develop a McBride Pocket Community. The grant will be used to conduct a study that will recommend a plan to implement compact, affordable, sustainable and efficient (CASE) housing for local residents.
These are two of 77 successful BC Rural Dividend development grants. More than $756,000 is being awarded to eligible communities, First Nations and non-profit organizations under the three-year, $75-million program.
The BC Rural Dividend is designed to help eligible rural communities diversify and strengthen their economies and contribute to their overall wellness and sustainability. It was a key commitment from the 2015 Union of British Columbia Municipalities convention and the Province’s Balanced Budget 2016.
Funding of $25 million per year, over three years, is available in four categories:
• community capacity building;
• workforce development;
• community and economic development; and
• business-sector development.