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 2021, the CRD distributed almost $1.5 million of funding to 26 projects in these 3 electoral areas through the Canada Community Building Fund.
“Investments in community infrastructure create good jobs, help tackle climate change, and improve the quality of life of all Canadians,” said the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities. “Our government will continue to work with our partners in British Columbia to advance important infrastructure projects that help sustain local economies and address pressing community needs.”
“The community-led projects supported through this fund help improve the quality of life for Juan de Fuca, Salt Spring Island and other Southern Gulf Islands residents," said Mitzi Dean, MLA for Esquimalt-Metchosin. “The Province is pleased to work alongside the federal government to support the CRD in addressing the unique needs of these communities.”
The Canada Community Building 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 Canada Community Building Fund is administered in British Columbia by the Union of B.C. Municipalities through three program streams including the Community Works Fund.
Additionally, the CRD awarded over $130,000 through electoral area Grants-in-Aid, to 34 projects for initiatives benefitting local communities and over $155,000 in COVID-19 Safe Restart Grants-in-Aid to 21 projects.
“The funding provided through the Canada Community Building Fund and Grants-in-Aid supports the diverse needs and local priorities of each of our electoral areas allowing us to continue to build vitality within our communities,” said Electoral Areas Committee Chair, Mike Hicks. “By focusing these essential funds on priority areas we are able to get the most benefit and value out of these projects.”
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. Safe Restart Grants were available to organizations impacted by COVID-19 where many applications highlighted revenue loss as a driver for support.
An overview of the projects funded through the Community Works Funds and the Grants-in-Aid (including Safe Restart GIA) in 2021 can be found in their respective annual reports:
Links:
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