HAZELTON – New Democrat MLA Doug Donaldson says people in Stikine communities will benefit from $8,856,000 in new provincial funding for local infrastructure and service improvements. The funding is part of a $75 million investment in communities across northern B.C.

“Our NDP government has worked collaboratively with local governments to make these important investments in our region,” said Donaldson, MLA for Stikine. “This funding will be a valuable support for our communities, especially as we look ahead towards economic recovery from the impacts of COVID-19.”

MLA Donaldson said the $75 million in funding is being provided through two streams: the 2020 Northern Capital and Planning Grant, and the B.C. Northern Healthy Communities Fund. The funding will help address communities’ infrastructure needs as they prepare for major resource and economic development, and support local delivery of critical services, such as health and mental health care, housing and child care.

While local governments, First Nations and non-profits in the region can apply for the B.C. Northern Healthy Communities Fund through the Northern Development Initiative Trust, the Northern Capital and Planning Grant will be distributed based on population. Local governments in Stikine receiving the Northern Capital and Planning Grant include:

Bulkley-Nechako Regional District- $1,565,000

Kitimat-Stikine Regional District- $1,362,000

Village of Hazelton- $340,000

District of New Hazelton- $532,000

Town of Smithers- $3,655,000

Village of Telkwa- $1,030,000

District of Stewart- $372,000

The $75 million provincial investment is in addition to the $100 million provided through the Northern Capital and Planning Grant to communities in the northwest in 2019. It is part of on-going dialogue between the Province and B.C.’s northwest and north-central communities on how to support the region over the longer term.

Learn More: https://news.gov.bc.ca/22177