Adjacency and impact the keys to recent provincial funding program across Northwestern BC, as MLA Rice relays range of funding already directed to Prince Rupert

Yesterday we took note of a new funding announcement from the Provincial government that will provide up to 25 million dollars towards capacity building and capital programs for a lengthy list of communities across Northern British Columbia, minus two of note at this corner of the region, those being Prince Rupert and Port Edward.

Towards learning more about the funding program, the NCR contacted North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice, seeking to gain some perspective on how the provincial government views the launch of the program and how the funding will be distributed.

From her reply we learn:

The Northern Healthy Communities Fund will be available to communities adjacent to the LNG Canada and Coastal GasLink projects, which have been directly impacted by the ongoing construction as well as First Nations communities that have been deemed, through the Environmental Assessment process, to be impacted by these projects. 

This includes 22 local governments and 27 First Nations, along with non-profit organizations that provide critical services to them. As Metlakatla and other Nations fall within the criteria under the environmental assessment process they are included in this particular grant program. 

The funding does not just stop “West of Terrace” as other northwest communities not included in this specific funding stream include Granisle, Hazelton, New Hazelton, McBride, Stewart, and Valemount. 

They are also not directly on the pipeline route or project site. We know that all communities in the north such as Prince Rupert and area are experiencing growth in their own way and we have committed to continuing to support them. 

That’s why there are multiple funding opportunities to meet different needs in B.C.’s north. We have already invested $150 million broadly in communities across the North through the Northern Capital and Planning Grant. Prince Rupert has received more than $14.5 million in 2019 and 2020 from this grant alone.

Ms. Rice also listed for review, a few of the other community funding programs that have come to the Prince Rupert area, among those of note for her. 

$19,982 through the Housing Needs Report Program’s third intake: 

$1.5 million to twenty-two community sport organizations in the North (including some in Prince Rupert) as part of the Local Sport Relief Fund 

As well, the MLA directed us to the recent announcement of $25 million that the province allocated towards improvement and expansion of operations at the Port of Prince Rupert.

For more notes on provincial announcements and some history on the items listed above see our archive page here.