PRINCE RUPERT – New Democrat MLA Jennifer Rice says people in Prince Rupert will benefit from $6,524,000 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.
“This investment comes at a critical time for communities in the Northwest, which are struggling from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Rice, MLA for North Coast. “As we begin renewing B.C.’s economy in the wake of COVID-19, this funding will help improve services, infrastructure, and job opportunities for people in the Northwest, and ensure we can meet the needs of growing communities like Prince Rupert.”
MLA Rice 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 the local delivery of critical services, such as health and mental health care, housing and child care.
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 an ongoing dialogue between the Province and B.C.’s northwest and north-central communities on how to support the region over the longer term.