Two Sunshine Coast organizations have received almost $1 million in provincial funding to promote economic diversification, clean economy opportunities and infrastructure development.
Salish Sea Regenerative Farm Society received $845,361 for its Salish Sea Regenerative Urban Farm business development project.
xwesam-Roberts Creek Community Association received $100,000 for its economic development project.
Karen Spicer, vice president of xwesam-Roberts Creek Community Association, said there was whoops of joy when they heard the news about the grant.
She said that the funding would be used to finance a two-year contract with an economic development officer, and the officer will provide monthly reports to the association’s board.
“The main goal of this project is to promote sustainable year-round opportunities for locals by attracting new business and expanding existing businesses,” Spicer said.
The three main aspects of the position will include: identifying, attracting and engaging local entrepreneurs and artists to the weekly community market, engaging new local food entrepreneurs to feature at the brand new community kitchen and patio at the xwesam-Roberts Creek Community Hall, and promoting Roberts Creek as a wedding destination, to provide business to local caterers, wedding planners and accommodation providers.
“We’re thrilled, and we really appreciate the support of the SCRD and SCREDO in our application,” she said.
The funding was part of the BC NDP Government’s Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program, which funded $12.9 million in coastal communities and on Vancouver Island.
“I am very pleased that the Salish Sea Regenerative Farm Society and the Roberts Creek Community Association are receiving funding this year, and I’m looking forward to seeing their projects develop,” said Nicholas Simons, MLA for Powell River-Sunshine Coast.
As of press time, Salish Sea Regenerative Farm Society was not available for comment.
\Jordan Copp is the Coast Reporter’s civic and Indigenous affairs reporter. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
