A new cross-country skiing day lodge in Rossland is among the nine West Kootenay projects to receive more than $4 million from the province's Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program fund.
The annual grants announced May 21 for the Kootenay Central and Kootenay-Monashee ridings are among the 130 being doled out across B.C. for a total of $43 million.
“Investing in local priorities is making communities stronger, more resilient and better prepared for the future,” said Kootenay-Monashee MLA Steve Morissette in a statement. “REDIP is ensuring people in every corner of the province have the tools needed for success, including right here in the Kootenays.”
Black Jack Cross Country Ski Club Society in Rossland will receive $937,153 to build a day lodge that includes a visitor kiosk, ski rental area, washrooms, commercial kitchen and warming area. Rossland and Trail are set to host the B.C. Winter Games in 2026.
The Rossland Museum and Discovery Centre is also receiving $1 million to build "a new immersive gold mining tunnel experience" along with expanded exhibit, storage and presentation spaces.
The Town of Creston meanwhile will use $997,320 for ʔak̓uǂni, a market park that "will be a focal point for local business growth and tourist attraction." Creston-based Kootenay Employment Services is also receiving $460,000 to address childcare shortages in the Kootenays. The organization will focus on recruiting early childhood educators, offer business coaching for at-risk childcare centres, and offer support to centres looking to expand.
"Rural communities in B.C. are so vibrant thanks to local people who pour their heart and souls into organizations and local government," said Brittny Anderson, MLA for Kootenay-Central. "Supporting organizations to help fill needed gaps across the province, like childcare shortages in the Kootenays, goes a long way in helping rural people thrive."
Other projects to receive funding include:
• Community Futures Central Kootenay will use $100,000 to fund its Slocan Valley Economic Development Partnership.
• The Creston Valley Chamber of Commerce receives $129,098 to support its Buy Local Creston Valley Gift Card Program.
• New Denver's Fireweed Hub Society will enhance local use of its commercial kitchen with $66,870.
• Nelson's Kootenay Climbing Association is receiving $399,804 to fund engineering and design of its planned new facility, The Cube 2.0.
• Crawford Bay's South Kootenay Lake Community Services Society will use $99,320 to help the Kootenay Lake Geothermal Project conduct surveying that will finalize locations for drilling and testing.
