Lake Country gets $6.8M grant for community infrastructure

Published on March 17, 2023 by David Wylie

Photo: Contributed/BC gov't

The District of Lake Country has secured nearly $6.8 million from the provincial government’s Growing Communities Fund.

In February, the provincial government announced the one-time funding, which provides a total $1 billion in grants to all 188 municipalities and districts in the province to help build community infrastructure and amenities.

“The funding is appreciated and greatly needed, and council will consider all options in the best interests of the whole community,” says Mayor Blair Ireland.

“As the funding is for projects that require one-time funding, such as infrastructure, roads, water, sewer, recreation options, or community amenities as outlined by the province, the funding will not be available for offsetting property tax increases. We have many infrastructure and amenities needs where this funding will be very useful.”

The province will be releasing more details on how the funding can be used in the coming weeks.

Staff will then make recommendations to council on how to spend the cash.

BC Premier David Eby says communities are growing, putting more pressure on community centres, parks and swimming pools that families rely on.

“To help, we’re providing the single largest provincial investment in communities in B.C.’s history,” he says. “The new Growing Communities Fund will help local communities get building. Growing communities need our support and this funding will make a big difference for everyone.”

Funding is based on a formula. Kelowna received $26.2 million and Vernon received just over $9.5 million.