Over a million dollars of Rural Dividend money is coming for 10 projects in northern B.C.
The provincial government is providing $1,207,743 in funding for economic development and diversification projects in rural northern B.C. communities.
The Rural Dividend Program provides almost $19 million in 153 single applicant and partnership project grants to eligible local governments, First Nations, and not-for-profit organizations throughout the province.
"This funding supports the diverse needs of small towns throughout the province and the people who live in them," said Doug Donaldson, Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development in a news release. "Our government is getting results for people in small cities and towns in every region, creating jobs and enhancing everyday services and amenities for families around the province."
One of the recipients of the funding is the Innovation Central Society, who operate the Hub Space in Prince George, who will be awarded $93,888 for the Northern Investment Group.
The project will develop a matchmaking service between new companies and local venture capitalists with a focus on financing, and new and existing businesses operating in northern B.C.
Some of the other projects receiving funding include:
- Burns Lake = $100,000 to develop a community brand and marketing strategy.
- District of Houston = $100,000 for We're Here! Marking Houston's Place in B.C.
- Project includes designing and installing signs to draw tourists and residents alike to key locations, features, and attractions in the district.
- District of Vanderhoof = $52,000 to complete preliminary design work for a new Vanderhoof visitor centre.
- Cheslatta Carrier Nation = $100,000 to develop a long-term, strategic community land-use plan.
- Nak'azdli Whut'en = $452,416 to complete design and technical and engineering documents, as well as develop a growing strategy for the Mount Pope year-round greenhouse.
- Project will create jobs and provide fresh vegetables and fruits to communities in northern B.C.
- Wet'suwt'en First Nation = $72,500 to develop a tourism strategy to create jobs in the community.
- Yinka Dene Economic Development Limited Partnership = $100,000 to train and certify a community-based workforce to install, operate and maintain solar panels.
- Stuart Lake Nordic Society = $71,656 to remediate recreation trails at the Murray Ridge Ski Area in Fort St. James.
- Houston Link to Learning Society = $65,283 to develop a community computer lab.
