Local governments will receive a cash infusion from the B.C. Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development.
The Province is paying out $63.8 million to local governments, helping to create jobs, stimulate local economies and keep families safe.
"Funding decisions at the community level are best made right where the action is, in the community. Both the Strategic Community Investment Fund and the Climate Action Revenue Incentive Program have proven to be very successful. Through partnering and leveraging we are further ahead collectively as a province, and I'm very pleased to see not only the dedication to support vital public safety initiatives but also local commitment towards environmental stewardship demonstrated by communities," said Ida Chong, Minister of Community Sport and Cultural Development.
In the first Strategic Community Investment Fund (SCIF) instalment for 2011, communities across B.C. are receiving $30 million in Small Community and Regional District Grants to support investments in local government services. The Province is also providing $30 million in net traffic fine revenues to eligible municipalities.
Local governments will be reimbursed for the carbon taxes they paid in 2010. This amounts to $3.8 million and reflects the Province's goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 33 per cent by 2020 through partnerships with local government. Funding is provided through the Climate Action Revenue Incentive Program.
North Island communities will receive $1,204,101 broken down as follows: Alert Bay $198,829, Port Alice $167,510, Port Hardy $290,166, Port McNeill $256,612, Sayward $175,304, and Mount Waddington District $115,671.