Community supports for vulnerable and low-income residents across the province are being enhanced following a series of poverty reduction initiatives.
Prince George is one of 54 civic governments receiving grants from the province’s Poverty Reduction Planning and Action Program.
29 projects are receiving 1.4 million dollars as part of the Together BC poverty reduction strategy.
“Poverty is a complex issue without a singular solution. It requires coordination and partnership of all levels of government, organizations, businesses, communities, and individuals,” said Shane Simpson, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction.
“These projects will empower local governments to create on-the-ground solutions for poverty that are tailored to the needs of their communities.”
The funded initiatives look to develop plans to improve food security, develop affordable housing, and increase access to public transportation.
“The dynamics of poverty change from community to community. This provincial funding program supports local governments as they work with partners to develop strategies that address the unique dynamics of poverty in local communities,” said Maja Tait, president of UBCM in a news release.
“The strong response to this program from all corners of the province demonstrates the need for community-based strategies that address the needs of low-income residents.”
The funding ranges from $16,000 to $150,000 through the Union of B.C. Municipalities.
The municipalities include:
* City of Abbotsford
* Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District
* Central Okanagan Regional District: partnered with the District of Lake Country, the District of Peachland, the City of West Kelowna and the City of Kelowna
* Comox Valley Regional District: partnered with the Town of Comox, the City of Courtenay and the Village of Cumberland
* City of Cranbrook: partnered with the Regional District of East Kootenay
* City of Kimberley
* Kootenay-Boundary Regional District: partnered with the City of Greenwood, the Village of Midway and the City of Grand Forks
* Town of Ladysmith
* Town of Lake Cowichan
* City of Maple Ridge
* District of Mission
* Nanaimo Regional District: partnered with the City of Nanaimo, the Town of Qualicum Beach, the District of Lantzville and Islands Trust
* City of Nelson
* Village of New Denver
* City of New Westminster
* City of Port Alberni
* District of Port Hardy
* City of Port Moody: partnered with the City of Coquitlam, the City of Port Coquitlam and the Village of Anmore
* City of Powell River: partnered with qathet Regional District
* City of Prince George
* City of Quesnel
* City of Revelstoke
* City of Richmond
* District of Sechelt: partnered with Sunshine Coast Regional District, Town of Gibsons and shÃshálh Nation
* District of Sooke
* District of Stewart
* City of Surrey
* City of Vancouver
* Resort Municipality of Whistler: partnered with the District of Squamish, Squamish-Lillooet Regional District and the Village of Pemberton