TNRD FUNDS HALL WORK
At its July 12 board meeting, the Thompson-Nicola Regional District passed a motion to dip into the Federal Gas Tax Revenues – Community Works Fund component, allocated to Electoral Area “E” (Bonaparte Plateau).
Directors agreed to provide $70,000 for roof resurfacing, as well as upgrades to the heating system, electrical fixtures, windows, doors, bathroom fixtures and perimeter drainage at the 70 Mile House Community Hall.
SITE C DEAL
BC Hydro and Dene Tha’ First Nation have concluded an agreement related to the construction and operation of the Site C Clean Energy Project.
The agreement includes a one-time payment and commits BC Hydro to providing Dene Tha’ First Nation with ongoing information on employment, training and procurement opportunities during construction.
With a population of approximately 2,400 members, the Dene Tha’ primarily reside amongst three communities located in northwest Alberta at Bushe River, Meander River and Chateh. There are approximately 1,800 members living on reserve and about 600 living off.
Dene Tha’ is an adherent to Treaty 8, which covers parts of northeastern B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories.
CRD WANTS CHANGE
The CRD will be sending a letter to the provincial government requesting the current requirement for “audited” financial statements to qualify under the Rural Dividend Fund be relaxed to the provision of financial statements only.
The BC Rural Dividend assists rural communities with a population of 25,000 or less in strengthening community resilience, and supports social, cultural and economic viability.
The program is providing $25 million a year over three years to help rural communities across British Columbia reinvigorate and diversify their local economies, making them more attractive places to live and work.
More information about the BC Rural Dividend Fund is available online at gov.bc.ca/ruraldividend.
