Victoria, BC– Every year the Capital Regional District (CRD) administers grants and funding for local projects in the Juan de Fuca, Salt Spring Island, and Southern Gulf Islands electoral areas. In 2020, the CRD distributed over $1.4 million of funding to 27 projects in these 3 electoral areas through the federal Gas Tax Fund which the Government of Canada has recently proposed renaming to the Canada Community-Building Fund. Additionally, the CRD awarded almost $100,000 through electoral area Grants-in-Aid to 28 non-profit organizations for initiatives benefitting local communities.
“I’m happy to see over $1.4M in federal funding going toward so many different projects in the Juan de Fuca, Salt Spring Island, and Southern Gulf Islands areas,” said the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities. “The Canada Community-Building Fund, supports communities with their own infrastructure priorities, and gives them the flexibility to put the money where they need it most. The 27 projects, including sports infrastructure, parks, and playgrounds as well as broadband connectivity, drinking water, and wastewater infrastructure, are helping to build cleaner, healthier, and more connected municipalities.”
“The CRD works closely with the electoral area communities to identify projects that provide significant benefit,” said Electoral Areas Committee Chair, Mike Hicks. “This funding is essential to the continued vitality of our electoral areas. By identifying priority areas and focusing these funds, the CRD is able to better meet the needs of the community and get the most value out of the projects.”
The federal Gas Tax Fund provides annual funding to the CRD. The CRD reviews applications from CRD services and third parties throughout the year. Applications are subject to meeting the program’s eligibility criteria, availability of funds, and receiving Electoral Area Director support. The federal Gas Tax Fund is administered in British Columbia by the Union of B.C. Municipalities through three program streams including the Community Works Fund.
“Together, with the federal government, the Province is proud to invest in projects that support the unique needs of communities in Juan de Fuca, Salt Spring Island, and the Southern Gulf Islands,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Municipal Affairs. “These projects are great examples of community-led initiatives that are making life better for people – like expanding recreation and cultural infrastructure and improving drinking water and broadband connectivity.”
“The federal Gas Tax Fund is helping to transform BC communities by contributing to the renewal of local infrastructure”, said Councillor Brian Frenkel, UBCM president. “These projects demonstrate the range of services and facilities funded through the program, and the benefits for local residents.”
Grants-in-Aid are one-time grants to fund special projects and activities, awarded to community non-profit organizations operating within electoral areas that are not already funded by requisition. Since Grants-in-Aid are available to fund one-time requests, community organizations were able to access these funds to address impacts driven by COVID-19.
An overview of the projects funded through the Community Works Funds and the Grants-in-Aid in 2020 can be found in their respective annual reports:
Attachments:
For more information on federal infrastructure funding, visit: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca.
Proud to be recognized as one of BC’s Top Employers and Canada’s Greenest Employers, the CRD delivers regional, sub-regional and local services to 13 municipalities and three electoral areas on southern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Governed by a 24-member Board of Directors, the CRD works collaboratively with First Nations and all levels of government to enable sustainable growth, foster community well-being, and develop cost-effective infrastructure while continuing to provide core services to residents throughout the region. Visit us online at www.crd.bc.ca.
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Andy Orr, Senior Manager
CRD Corporate Communications
Tel: 250.360.3229
Cell: 250.216.5492