By CKPGToday

Rural Dividend Grant Provides Boost In CRD

Sep 18, 2018 | 12:12 PM

QUESNEL – The Province is providing a grant to help boost rural development in the Cariboo Regional District. The Rural Dividend is a $25 million-per-year program that makes rural communities stronger. 

Five hundred thousand dollars will go to upgrading an animal housing facility in Alex Fraser Park. The upgrade will consist of a multipurpose open-concept structure to include agricultural events, training opportunities, and accommodating livestock and pets during animal evacuations. 

“The regional district has identified the agriculture sector as an opportunity in the region that will help revitalize the economy after the 2017 wildfire season,” said Doug Donaldson, Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development. “This special circumstances grant, provided from the Rural Dividend, will support the development of additional agricultural courses at the College of New Caledonia, as well as the agri-industry and event tourism in the area.”

“Alex Fraser Park is a key resource in our region and a hub for housing evacuated animals,” said Margo Wagner, chair of the Cariboo Regional District. “Thanks to the Province’s support, we can improve the facilities and, in turn, build our region’s resiliency and preparedness and support other communities in emergencies.”

Another $500,000 will go towards on-site housing for Barkerville Historic Town and Park staff. The project will create future revenue and partnerships with the local forestry and mining industry. 

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“Barkerville Historic Town and Park, governed by The Barkerville Heritage Trust, is thankful for this critical investment in staff housing,” said Ed Coleman, the trust’s CEO. “A tourism asset of our size, which generates $25 million in regional and provincial economic impacts, relies extensively on a reliable staff housing strategy. This investment provides an immediate opportunity to address a critical seasonal housing need, as we continue to work on the long-term strategy with our partners.”