Almost $3 million is on the way from the provincial government for the City of Trail to use on infrastructure, amenities and recreation services.
The money comes from the one-time $1 billion Growing Communities Fund announced in February that will support 188 British Columbian municipalities and regional districts.
Communities in the Kootenay West riding will collectively receive over $20 million from the grant pot: Castlegar, $3,094,000; Trail, $2,979,000; Rossland, $2,154,000; Regional District of Kootenay Boundary, $1,774,000; Fruitvale, $1,278,000; Warfield, $1,193,000; Nakusp, $1,161,000; Montrose, $903,000; New Denver, $704,000; Slocan, $624,000; and Silverton, $585,000.
New Democrat MLA Katrine Conroy says this historic investment will enable each town/district to fund key projects, ensuring that people have services they can rely on as populations grow.
“The needs of people in Kootenay West are diverse, and we must ensure our region can keep up with current and future challenges,” said Conroy, Kootenay West MLA. “This funding will give a boost to local governments so they can invest in our communities and ensure people can thrive.”
How is each municipality/electoral area going to use their money?
Those details are yet to be announced, however, the board chair of Regional District of Kootenay Boundary (RDKB) said their $1.77M grant enables them to make “a massive investment in our future and we’re delighted to receive such support.”
“Our communities have unique needs which can be prioritised and swiftly addressed with this upfront funding,” said. Linda Worley, RDKB chair, Area B director. “The board will deliberate next on how best to allocate it within the RDKB for maximum impact.”
The Ministry of Municipal Affairs said in a statement the funding was calculated by providing every government $500,000, then adding extra based on population size and per-capita population growth between 2016 and 2021.
Governments will receive their share by the end of March.