BC NDP MLA Routley says funding will deliver economic diversification projects to North Cowichan and Nanaimo
NORTH COWICHAN – New Democrat MLA Doug Routley says that funding will deliver projects to people in North Cowichan and Nanaimo. Local governments, First Nations and not-for-profit organizations throughout the Coast and Vancouver Island are receiving funding to promote economic diversification, clean economy opportunities and infrastructure development.
“Through the creation of the Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program, our government is prioritizing investments that help our rural communities grow and thrive,” said Doug Routley, MLA for Nanaimo-North Cowichan. “I am so happy to see our community benefiting from this program and the investments announced today will help support our local food industry, expand options for skills training, and create more opportunities for local businesses.”
In Nanaimo-North Cowichan, three projects are receiving over $1 million in funding:
- $496,105.35 for the Cowichan Valley Green Community Society to complete construction of the Cowichan Valley Farm and Food Hub
- $500,000 for the Canadian Amateur Rowing Association to design and build a shell house to stow rowing and training equipment
- $100,000 for the Community Futures Development Corporation of Central Vancouver Island for crisis management training and skill building for small businesses
The BC NDP Government is investing up to $33 million across rural areas of the province for the second intake of the Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program (REDIP). Communities on Vancouver Island and other coastal communities will be receiving up to $12.9 million in funding for 41 approved projects from REDIP to help strengthen local economies.
In its first two years, REDIP will see as much as $99 million invested in more than 300 projects throughout rural B.C.
Building resilient economies is part of the BC NDP government’s work through the StrongerBC Economic Plan to build a strong and sustainable economy for people through clean and inclusive growth.
Learn More: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2024JEDI0020-000542