A new rural development grant, supported by the StrongerBC Economic Plan, will benefit Indigenous communities and local governments on Hornby Island and northern Vancouver Island.
The grants, totalling more than $2.5 million, will help to boost tourism and local food production, assisting those hit hard by the effects of COVID-19, pandemic, floods, fires and extreme weather.
“Jobs and economic opportunities flourish in communities that have the tools they need to adapt and grow,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation.
“With the help of rural development grants and our StrongerBC Economic Plan, we are providing rural communities with more resources to attract visitors and build important infrastructure to help create a more sustainable economy for all British Columbians.”
According to a release by the provincial government, the Hornby Island Farmland Trust Society’s food-processing facility is a project that demonstrates community stability.
The society has been awarded more than $625,000 for the construction of a facility that will aid in the creation of jobs for entrepreneurial food businesses and increase food security for people living on the island.
“Hornby Islanders are proud of their way of life and their goals to create a more sustainable and self-sufficient island,” said Josie Osborne, MLA for Mid Island-Pacific Rim.
“With the help of this rural development grant, the Hornby Island Farmland Trust Society will be able to develop a new food-processing facility that is open for any Hornby Island resident to use. This project will significantly contribute to community health and local food security.”
Additional rural development grants provided to northern Vancouver Island communities are:
- Kwakiutl First Nation: almost $440,000 for economic development on the Klickseewy 7 reserve.
- Homalco First Nation: almost $1 million for the Aupe (Church House) community pier replacement.
- Village of Cumberland: more than $480,000 for water service to undeveloped land along Union Road.
“North Vancouver Island is one of the most rugged, remote and beautiful regions in B.C., a place where tourists come to escape city life and be surrounded by nature,” said Leslie Baird, mayor, Village of Cumberland.
“Through these rural development grants, local and Indigenous communities can benefit from much-needed infrastructure upgrades that will add more employment opportunities, increase tourism and create a better way of life for many people in the region.”
You can learn more about the StrongerBC Economic Plan here.
