NDP MLAs Anderson and Morissette say funding in the Kootenays will help diversify economy, promote sustainability 

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CRESTON- BC NDP MLAs Brittny Anderson and Steve Morissette says that organizations and local governments in the Kootenays will benefit from over $4,000,000 in funding to promote economic diversification and sustainability in rural communities.

“Rural communities in B.C. are so vibrant thanks to local people who pour their heart and souls into organizations and local government,” said Brittny Anderson, MLA for Kootenay-Central. “Supporting organizations to help fill needed gaps across the province, like childcare shortages in the Kootenays, goes a long way in helping rural people thrive.”

Projects being funded in the Kootenays include:

  • $1,000,000 for the Rossland Museum and Discovery Centre’s expansion project for a new, immersive gold mining tunnel experience, enhanced exhibit space, expanded storage, and more.
  • $997,918.20 for the Town of Creston for their ʔak̓uǂni (a-kooth-nee) Market Park project that will create a vibrant destination, embrace circular economies, honor local histories, and foster meaningful connections to boost the local economy. The project will offer amenities including seating, car and bike parking, and washrooms and will be a focal point for local business growth and a great tourist attraction.
  • $937,153 for the Black Jack Cross Country Ski Club Society in Rossland for the construction of a day lodge that will include a rental area, washrooms, commercial kitchen, and warming area.
  • $460,000 for the Kootenay Employment Centre in Creston for their project “Filling the Gaps: Kootenay-region Childcare Recruitment and Sector Development,” to help address child care shortages in the region.

A full backgrounder follows this release.

“Investing in local priorities is making communities stronger, more resilient, and better prepared for the future,” said Steve Morissette, “REDIP is ensuring people in every corner of the province have the tools needed for success, including right here in the Kootenays.”

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

BACKGROUNDER:

 

 

Recipient Community Project Name Funding Project Description
Black Jack Cross Country Ski Club Society Rossland Expansion of Trailhead Facilities at Black Jack Ski Club $937,153.00 Funding will go toward the construction of a day lodge that will include a visitor kiosk, ski rental area, washrooms, commercial kitchen, and warming area. This infrastructure will enhance the Black Jack Cross Country Ski Club’s ability to host larger events and improve the visitor experience in time for the BC Winter Games in February 2026.
Community Futures Central Kootenay Silverton Slocan Valley Economic Development and Diversification $100,000.00 Community Futures Central Kootenay will work to advance development of a wide range of business sectors in the Slocan Valley. The project will provide capacity and continuity for the Slocan Valley Economic Development Partnership and delivery on economic diversification recommendations made in the Slocan Valley Economic Development Strategic Plan.
Creston Valley Chamber of Commerce Creston Buy Local Creston Valley Gift Card Program $129,098.00 The Buy Local Creston Valley Gift Card Program is a regional VISA gift card program, managed by Buy Local Creston Valley and supported by the Creston Valley Chamber of Commerce. The project will implement and deploy a unified digital payment solution enabling gift cards to be used across participating businesses throughout the 130km geo-zone from Riondel to Yahk, British Columbia. The project will use the existing Buy Local Creston Valley platform and business directory combined with anadvertising effort to consistently promote and advertise both the gift cards and participating businesses. The program will support economic development by keeping local money local while providing small and seasonal businesses access to gift card capabilities without individual overhead costs, particularly benefiting farmers market vendors and seasonal operators who previously couldn’t offer such services.
Fireweed Hub Society New Denver Fireweed Hub: Building Capacity by Supporting Food Business Growth $66,870.00 The Fireweed Hub Society plans to enhance utilization of their commercial kitchen by local food entrepreneurs. The Society will support scaling up of food services and food production businesses by providing additional business supports, professional development and mentorship opportunities, and secure food storage.
Kootenay Climbing Association Nelson Cube 2.0: Sustainable Climbing Centre and Mass Timber Social Enterprise Project $399,804.00 Funding will go toward engineering and design activities for “The Cube 2.0”, led by the Kootenay Climbing Association. The Cube 2.0 will be an innovative climbing centre that stimulates growth in the mass timber manufacturing sectors by utilizing mass timber and showcasing local timber processing industries.
Kootenay Employment Services Creston Filling the gaps: Kootenay-region Childcare Recruitment & Sector Development $460,000.00 Kootenay Employment Services plans to address the childcare shortage in the Kootenays region. This will include recruitment of early Childhood Educators, business coaching for at-risk childcare centres and expansion support for centres actively seeking to expand.
Rossland Museum & Discovery Centre Rossland Elevate the Rossland Museum & Discovery Centre: Heritage Hub & Economic Catalyst $1,000,000.00 The Rossland Museum & Discovery Centre’s expansion project will see the development of a new immersive gold mining tunnel experience, an enhanced exhibit space, expanded collection storage and rotating exhibitions, and an expanded public presentation area. Expansion and development will focus on accessibility, sustainability, and cultural inclusion.
South Kootenay Lake Community Services Society Crawford Bay Kootenay Lake Geothermal – Phase Five $99,320.00 The Kootenay Lake Geothermal Project will conduct Electrical Resistivity Tomography surveying to finalize locations for drilling and testing for potential development of geothermal energy infrastructure. Additionally, economic modelling and business planning for geothermal direct use will be conducted.
Town of Creston Creston ʔak̓uǂni $997,918.20 ʔak̓uǂni (a-kooth-nee) is an innovative, multi-phased Market Park project designed to create a vibrant destination that embraces circular economies, honors local histories, and fosters meaningful connections to boost the local economy. The Park is home to the Creston Valley Farmers’ Market and the Visitors Centre. It will offer ample visitor amenities including seating, car and bike parking, and washrooms. Market Park will be a focal point for local business growth and tourist attraction.