The B.C. government today announced it is dispersing $1-billion to municipalities and regional districts through one-time funding to address the needs of their growing communities, with the East Kootenay receiving $21,897,700.

Grants will be distributed using a funding formula that reflects population size and growth, the Office of the Premier and Ministry of Municipal Affairs noted in a media release.

“Our communities are growing and this puts more pressure on community centres, parks and swimming pools that families rely on. To help, we’re providing the single largest provincial investment in communities in B.C.’s history,” said Premier David Eby. “The new Growing Communities Fund will help local communities get building. Growing communities need our support and this funding will make a big difference for everyone.”

The East Kootenay’s eight government entities and the funds being received: Canal Flats $817,000; Cranbrook $5,571,000; Elkford $1,581,000; Fernie $2,626,000; Invermere $2,032,000; Kimberley $3,414,000; Radium Hot Springs $900,000; Sparwood $2,025,000; and Regional District of East Kootenay $3,667,000.

Additionally, nearby Creston ($2,350,000) and Golden ($2,159,000) are also receiving funds.

On Feb. 10, the government announced the Growing Communities Fund, which provides a one-time total of $1 billion in grants to all 188 B.C. municipalities and regional districts.

Grants will be distributed using a formula that incorporates an initial $500,000 per municipality or district, and further adjustments for population size and per-capita population growth between 2016 and 2021, based on BC Stats data. This method considers the impacts of service and amenity demands on smaller and rural communities and the additional pressures experienced by faster-growing communities.

Grants will be distributed to local governments by the end of March 2023.

“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,” said Anne Kang, Minister of Municipal Affairs. “These grants will support projects that each community needs the most, like new affordable housing and child care facilities, road improvements or recreation centres.”

All local governments are required to report on the use of funds in their annual audited financial statements. The Ministry of Municipal Affairs will provide further guidance to municipalities and regional districts on the use of their funds in the coming weeks.

“The transfer of these funds provides massive investments for every local government in the province,” said Jen Ford, president, Union of B.C. Municipalities. “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.”

Lead image: The Village of Radium Hot Springs will be getting $900,000 from the one-time Growing Communities Fund. e-KNOW file photos

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