Money from a recently announced provincial grant program is starting to flow to northern communities.
The BC Government recently approved the $100 million dollar Northern Capital and Planning Grant which is geared to help fund municipal infrastructure and planning for future opportunities.
Local governments can use the money for immediate infrastructure needs, save it for a future opportunity, or use it to secure other sources of funding.
The following communities in Kitimat-Stikine will receive the new grant:
* Kitimat-Stikine Regional District: $4,640,000
* Kitimat: $1,556,000
* Terrace: $8,197,000
* Hazelton: $2,148,000
* New Hazelton: $2,580,000
* Stewart: $1,294,000
“The City of Terrace wishes to express its gratitude to the Province of British Columbia and, specifically, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, for the timely and much-needed Northern Capital and Planning Grant,” said Terrace mayor Carol Leclerc in a news release. “In partnership with our neighbouring local governments, our city council has been working hard to advocate for revenue-sharing and additional supports for our pressing infrastructure needs. This grant offers us the flexibility to direct one-time funds into priority community projects so that we are better positioned to accommodate an influx of new residents, workers and businesses.”
Over two dozen local governments will receive funding, including Prince Rupert, Burns Lake, Smithers, Fort St. James, and Queen Charlotte.
The Northern Capital and Planning Grant was announced February 16, 2019 in Terrace as a commitment to northwest mayors that communities will benefit from resource development in the region.
