$624,856 in funding has been announced for ten community projects across Southern BC as part of the Canada Healthy Communities Initiative, with $88,000 going towards Wildsight Elk Valley and the Fernie EcoGarden in Prentice Park.
In a release by the Community Foundation of the Kootenay Rockies (CFKR), Lynette Wray of the CFKR said that she was pleased that the EcoGarden had secured itself the funding given the number of applications that were made.
“In Round 1, the BC-Southern Hub received funding applications totalling over $6 million, and I am so pleased that this local project has been funded through this initiative,” she said.
Wildsight Elk Valley Community Program Coordinator Dawn Deydey said the money would be put to good use.
“We are so grateful for the opportunity to expand the Community EcoGarden in Prentice Park. This funding will support the construction of a covered learning area for outdoor education with schools and community groups. It will also allow us to expand our gardening spaces, providing more community members with the opportunity to grow the food they eat.”
The Canada Healthy Communities Initiative is a $31 million program that supports communities in adapting to the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Other projects in Southern BC included $55,000 for the Nakusp Natural Adventure Park project and $99,000 for the N’sis’ooloxw Pathways project in Vernon.
Round two of applications to the Canada Healthy Communities Initiative is now open until June 25. Projects considered are those that are community-led infrastructure projects between $5,000 and $250,000 that fall under three main themes: Creating safe and vibrant public spaces, improving mobility options and digital solutions.
READ MORE: Sparwood’s outdoor skating trail to return
Is there more to this story?
scott.tibballs@thefreepress.caLike us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter
