LADYSMITH – New Democrat MLA Doug Routley says that people in Ladysmith and on Gabriola Island will benefit from a stronger local arts community and have access to more recreational opportunities, thanks to a new joint provincial-federal investment of $3.8 million for two projects.
“Access to community arts and recreation spaces is so important in shaping healthy, vibrant communities,” said Routley, MLA for Nanaimo-North Cowichan. “This funding will complete the Arts and Heritage Hub in Ladysmith, providing a community gathering space for people to interact with art, experience performances and attend special events. On Gabriola, this investment will help the community construct a skatepark so that youth and people of all ages will have access to improved recreational activities.”
Routley says total funding amounts to $3,874,854 for two projects:
- Ladysmith: Ladysmith Arts and Heritage Hub ($3,307,500)
- Nanaimo Regional District: Huxley Skatepark Project on Gabriola Island ($567,354)
This local funding is part of over $228 million in grants going to B.C. communities through the first intake of Community, Culture and Recreation and Rural & Northern Communities streams of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP), a provincial-federal cost-sharing program that makes investments in community and green infrastructure. The Province of B.C. has committed nearly $62 million of the total funding for this intake.
The second intake for both streams was announced on June 25, with nearly $160 million in combined funding available for projects.
Investments made through ICIP are designed to create economic growth, sustain well-paying jobs, build inclusive communities, and support a low-carbon, green economy.
Learn More: https://news.gov.bc.ca/22556