NAKUSP – New Democrat MLA Katrine Conroy says grants are coming to rural communities to support economic recovery and tourism expansion.

“We need to ensure that we’re supporting rural communities so that jobs and services are there for the people who rely on them during and after challenging times, said Katrine Conroy, MLA for Kootenay-West. “There’s no question that climate change and COVID-19 have had a devastating impact on communities around the province, and we’re focused on supporting those communities through their recovery.”

The province is providing a grant of $699,150 to the Nakusp Ski Club to upgrade the infrastructure at the Summit Lake Ski Area to improve existing use and develop summer recreational activities related to cycling. The Kootenay Boundary Regional District is receiving a grant of $190,000 to create a Lower Columbia Long-Term Economic Recovery Plan, including assessments of underutilized industrial and commercial land, connectivity and service improvements, and a battery recycling hub ecosystem development plan.

Rural Development grants are provided by the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development. Other grant recipients in this round include Kaslo, Merritt, Princeton, and Powell River.

This recovery funding is part of the government’s commitment to build resilient communities as outlined within the StrongerBC Economic Plan. The plan moves British Columbia forward by tackling the challenges of today while growing an economy that works for everyone. This long-term plan builds on B.C.’s strong economic recovery.