The City of Prince George will receive nearly $12.5 million in provincial grant money to support infrastructure projects.
The B.C. government initially announced the $1 billion fund, to be divided among B.C.’s 188 municipalities and regional districts, on Feb. 10. On Friday, the province announced what portion each community will receive. The Regional District of Fraser-Fort George will receive $3.53 million under the grant program.
"I know that our local governments are working hard to keep up with the growing demands of their communities. Through cross-government co-operation, we can address the unique needs in each community to ensure they can thrive into the future," Municipal Affairs Minister Anne Kang said. "These grants will support projects that each community needs the most, like new affordable housing and child care facilities, road improvements or recreation centres."
The one-time fund, created using the provincial government’s budget surplus, can be used to fund community infrastructure and amenities, such as as recreation facilities, roads, parks, water-treatment plants, etc.
“We are pleased to see the province supporting local governments with additional resources to invest in infrastructure,” Regional District of Fraser-Fort George chairperson Lara Beckett said in an email in February. “We look forward to learning more and understanding what the process is to access the funds and how much the RDFFG may be eligible to receive.”
Local governments across B.C., including Prince George, have expressed the need for additional funding to help them meet their infrastructure needs, according to the Union of B.C. Municipalities (UBCM).
"The transfer of these funds provides massive investments for every local government in the province," UBCM president Jen Ford said. "This new funding will allow communities to accelerate the replacement of aging systems, and expansion to current services to better meet the demands of growing populations. The approach of providing funding upfront will ensure that these funds are directed to the most urgent priorities identified in each community."
