The Regional District of Fraser-Fort George received $3.53 million to use towards infrastructure projects, according to a report to the board of directors last week.
The one-time grant was part of the B.C. government’s $1 billion Growing Communities Fund, announced by Premier David Eby in February.
“There are few conditions on the use of the grant funds, but there is a requirement that funds can only be allocated to regional district services and that allocation commitments must be made by the end of the calendar year,” regional district manager of financial services Chris Calder wrote in his report to the board. “Administration is researching further details about grant use and will prepare a list of outstanding and potential projects that may be able to make use of these funds to inform future Board discussions around allocation options.”
Projects related to public drinking water systems, sewers, solid waste management, roads, sidewalks, active transportation, public safety or emergency management, childcare facilities, affordable housing projects, park and recreation amenity upgrades, natural hazard mitigation and projects to serve neighbouring First Nations are all eligible uses for the funding.
The City of Prince George received $12.5 million under the same grant program.
“The principal objective of the (Growing Communities Fund) is to increase the local housing supply with investments in community infrastructure and amenities,” B.C. Municipal Affairs Minister Anne Kang wrote in a letter to the board. “Regional Districts are encouraged to work closely with adjacent local First Nations… as this collaboration strengthens our communities and regions.”
