TERRACE, B.C. — The Province of B.C. aims to fund infrastructure in the north through the recently approved $100-million Northern Capital and Planning Grant.
Four regional districts, Fraser-Fort George, Bulkley-Nechako, Kitimat-Stikine and North Coast, and their 22 participating municipalities will be eligible for the funding.
“We’ve been hearing from local governments in northern B.C. about the challenges they face funding much-needed upgrades to their aging infrastructure, and I know this new grant will help close the gap,” said Selina Robinson, minister of municipal affairs and housing, in a press release. “With this funding, communities can start moving forward on the initiatives they need to seize opportunities now and down the road.”
Communities can use the grant for immediate infrastructure issues or long-term infrastructure planning. They are also able to use the funds to secure other sources of funding, including borrowing, reserves and other grant programs.
“This grant will make a huge difference to the District of Fort St. James in meeting our infrastructure challenges,” said Bev Playfair, mayor of Fort St. James, Bulkley-Nechako Regional District. “We are very appreciative of the province providing this funding.”
According to the province, the grant was created following talks between government officials and the Northwest B.C. Resource Benefits Alliance. The province also consulted with the Union of British Columbia Municipalities as a change to the Local Governments Grant Regulation is required before the Northern Capital and Planning Grant can be implemented.
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