Comox looks at grants for two projects to spur community economic recovery

The grant program has a deadline of Oct.29

Comox is looking at two granting opportunities to assist with economic recovery. Black Press file photo

Comox is looking at two granting opportunities to assist with economic recovery. Black Press file photo

Comox council is putting its weight behind two infrastructure projects within the Valley as part of a community economic recovery program.

During its strategic planning committee meeting (formerly committee of the whole) in mid-October, council gave the green light to formally approve grant submissions to the provincial government’s Community Economic Recovery Infrastructure Program as a means for communities to support their economic recovery.

The grant program – which has a deadline of Oct.29 – will accept two grant applications per community with each grant being 100 per cent funded up to $1 million.

The two projects the Town is supporting include an application from the Comox Valley Airport Commission for the construction of an additional parking area at the airport, and an application for the construction of a Marine Services Building at the Comox Marina.

Additionally, council agreed to authorize funds from the Town’s capital reserves for any cost overages.

The airport project has a total cost of $5.5 million including $2.2 million for land acquisition. The second application would see the current marina building (occupied by Compass Adventures) demolished and replaced with a larger building that can accommodate more commercial space, have space for outdoor non-food vendors and meet the growing need for public bathrooms.

Costs for the project are estimated to be as high as $800,000.

Council is expected to support both grant submissions at their council meeting on Oct. 21.


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Comox Valley Record