The Columbia Shuswap Regional District has submitted an application through the Building Canada Infrastructure Program – Rural and Northern Communities Grant for $6.3 million to do repair work in Newsome Creek. Area C Director Paul Demenok was made aware of the grant through the 2020 Union of BC Municipalities conference this summer.
“My fingers are crossed on behalf of the community that this will occur,” says Area C Director Paul Demenok. “It is a significant issue in my community that is affecting the entire community. We need to get this done.”
Read CSRD’s full press release
CSRD did the work on the application putting in many hours with all hands on deck to get the application in before the deadline which was October 22, 2020.
Director Demenok reported that the application has had support from Minister Selina Robinson (who was with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing at the time of the application) as well as Minister Mike Farnworth (Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General). Deputy Minister Kaye Krishna is also aware of the funding issues NCWAG has been facing.
In the past grant programs have either been too little topping out at $750,000 through Emergency Management BC. Or, the entry point was too much, as was the case with a federal government fund which starts at $20,000,000. This new fund for Rural and Northern Communities Infrastructure addresses the range we’re in.