NDP MLA Toporowski says funding for Cowichan Valley will help diversify economy, promote sustainability

COWICHAN VALLEY– BC NDP MLA Debra Toporowski says that projects in the Cowichan Valley will benefit from funding to promote economic diversification and sustainability in rural communities.

“The Cowichan Valley is home to so many businesses, organizations, and people who are making our economy stronger and more resilient,” said Debra Toporowski, MLA for Cowichan Valley. “With over $1 million going to support our economy and innovative local projects, I look forward to seeing this work continue to grow.”

The following projects in the Cowichan Valley are receiving funding:

  • Cowichan Valley RD – Economic Development Cowichan – $500,000 for Cowichan Region Tech and Innovation Ecosystem Project
  • Craft Cannabis Association of BC – Cowichan Valley – $25,620 for building the Cowichan Cannabis Trail
  • OURecovillage Cooperative – $100,000 for exploring livestock/poultry training facility for SME producers
  • Synergy Sustainability Foundation – Duncan – $377,750 for VI-Coast Circular Economy Ecosystem Project
  • District of North Cowichan – $500,000 for leveraging infrastructure to transition the economy: site servicing design to promote industrial land development

More than 130 projects across B.C. are receiving a total of $43 million in funding this year from the Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program (REDIP). Projects are being led by local governments, First Nations, and not-for-profit organizations, and will create an estimated 1,200 jobs across the province.

Learn More: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2025JEDI0018-000472