Local governments, First Nations and not-for-profit organizations can further strengthen their communities with twice the funding for BC’s newest economic diversification program, which has now approved more than 200 projects provincewide, including five in the qathet region, according to a media release.
“Communities throughout BC have unique needs when it comes to the well-being of their residents and their economies,” stated Brenda Bailey, provincial minister of jobs, economic development and innovation. “That’s why we’re increasing our support for rural BC, working side by side with local governments and First Nations to launch rural economic development projects that will provide good, sustainable jobs that allow people to stay in the communities they love.”
The provincial government is investing double the funding, up to $66 million, this year for the Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program (REDIP). This promotes economic diversification, clean-economy opportunities and infrastructure development in rural BC.
One approved project sees Powell River Farmers’ Agricultural Institute receiving $27,467.84 for an electrical upgrade for Quonset B in Paradise Valley.
Other local projects funded through the 2022/2023 REDIP intake include Tla’amin Nation receiving $150,000 (Tis’kwat Site – Tla’amin Site Operation Plan Development and Site Economic Opportunity Evaluations); City of Powell River receiving $500,000 (Preparation of Airport Industrial Lands); and qathet Regional District receiving $100,000 (Economic Development Coordinator). The regional district will also receive another $1,000,000 (Growing A Local Circular Economy Through Waste Diversion).
“Communities and Indigenous groups have bounced back from the pandemic and constantly bring new ideas and initiatives to the table,” stated Nicholas Simons, MLA for Powell River-Sunshine Coast. “I am grateful to see our government support these initiatives to help them grow and develop cleaner community infrastructure.”
The program opened on November 15, 2022, and now hundreds of projects from the program’s first intake are approved and moving forward, with a second intake opening this year, according to the ministry.
“Community leaders across BC are passionate about their communities, with exciting visions for building thriving and sustainable economies, today and for generations to come,” stated Roly Russell, parliamentary secretary for rural development. “It’s inspiring to see the diversity of community-led and place-based projects supported with REDIP that will help create exciting future economic opportunities. The doubling of this investment in rural communities means more of these projects can get in motion, and sooner, to better support rural economies across the province.”
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