The Regional District of Fraser-Fort George is allocating funds it has received from the Northern Capital and Planning Grant into a number of different projects and initiatives.
The Northern Capital and Planning Grant was announced in March of this year by the provincial government. The $100-million program provides funding for infrastructure and long-term planning to four regional districts (Fraser-Fort George, Bulkley-Nechako, Kitimat-Stikine and North Coast) and their 22 participating municipalities. The Regional District of Fraser-Fort George received just over $4.2 million.
“This funding will go a long way in helping us maintain and improve the infrastructure we have, enhancing the livability of our rural communities within the Fraser-Fort George region,” said RDFFG Chair Art Kaehn, in a news release.
The regional district has determined four categories of projects and initiatives to be funded through the Northern Capital and Planning Grant.
• Planning includes investments in projects like assessments of rural community sewer disposal services, well protection planning for drinking water facilities, a broadband connectivity strategy and evaluating alternative renewable energy sources for regional district facilities. ($400,000 allocated)
• Existing Infrastructure Improvements sees investments in regional district properties like recreation centres, community halls and regional parks and support for climate change mitigation investment such as electric car charging stations and enhancing waste reduction services ($1,495,000 allocated)
• New Infrastructure supporting public safety services including a 9-1-1 back up dispatch/data storage centre and broadband connectivity for firehalls. ($657,550 allocated)
• Asset Management assisting the regional district in closing the gap on its long-term asset management obligations, focusing on small and rural community facilities and services such as firehalls, recreation centres, community halls and utility services. ($1,695,000 allocated)
“This funding is integral for us to move forward on key projects and initiatives that might not have been possible without it,” said RDFFG Vice Chair Lara Beckett.