September 14, 2018 ~ BC. Communities with populations under 25,000 will be eligible for funding for up to 90% of community recreation infrastructure projects, to be provided by a combination of federal and provincial grants. For smaller communities with populations under 5,000 the funding will be a full 100%.
Announced by the BC government this week, it’s good news for many small Vancouver Island communities. Sooke has just over 13,000 residents, View Royal about 10,500, Metchosin less than 5,000, and Highlands under 3,000.
And as nowadays most municipalities in the west shore work collaboratively or interdependently, this could be seen as a recreational boost for the west shore region overall. As separate jurisdictions, there are pockets of smaller populations that rely on neighbouring municipalities when it comes to things like recreation and transit.
That funding announcement made in a speech by Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Selina Robinson September 12 at the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) convention in Whistler drew genuinely enthusiastic applause.
Smaller communities can use the boost to provide jobs and build local economies. Outcomes will include enhanced overall community activity and well-being, said Robinson, creating strong communities on all levels.
Robinson announced that another 2,500 modular homes (along with support systems for occupants) will be made available to municipalities that can provide land for these projects. She said BC will continue its work to moderate the housing market by creating 114,000 homes over the next 10 years.
::: This article was first published on page 3 in the September 14, 2018 print/PDF issue of West Shore Voice News.