The provincial government have devoted $34 million in funding to local governments on the mid-Island. (Dreamstime)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

big money

Millions in provincial funds supercharging local government projects

Mar 4, 2023 | 9:42 AM

NANAIMO — Local municipal governments are figuring out how best to use millions in provincial funding.

The B.C. Government announced approximately $34 million in funding to municipalities from Nanaimo to Qualicum Beach, including the Regional District, as part of their Growing Communities Fund.

It’s part of a larger pot of $1 billion in one-time spending on 188 municipalities across B.C. designed for “infrastructure and amenities including, roads, transit, water and electrical systems, as well as community centers, parks and social services,” according to the NDP.

The City of Nanaimo received the largest share, $16.1 million, with the Regional District of Nanaimo collecting $7.9 million.

City of Parksville ($4.7 million), District of Lantzville ($1.9 million), and Town of Qualicum Beach ($3.3 million) were also on the receiving end.

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What the municipalities will devote funding to is not set in stone.

The City of Nanaimo was unable to respond to a request for plans by deadline, however both the City of Parksville and Regional District of Nanaimo indicated the money would be spent at the direction of their respective Council or Board.

Staff will come to their elected representatives with plans over the coming weeks and months, with decisions on spending to be made from there.

Funding from the province marks a significant investment according to Premier David Eby.

“Our communities are growing and this puts more pressure on community centres, parks and swimming pools that families rely on. To help, we’re providing the single largest provincial investment in communities in B.C.’s history.”

Local governments will be required to track and report on how the money was spent through annual financial statements.

The amount of funding was outlined by an initial $500,000 to every municipality followed by additional amounts based on population and growth over the last five years.

Nanaimo was one of the fastest growing communities in the country according to 2021 census data.

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