The City of Courtenay is receiving $382,000 in infrastructure funding through the Strategic Priorities Fund to support long-term recreation facility planning. This federally funded program supports infrastructure projects that are beyond the financial capacity of a single local government fund, under the Build Communities Strong Fund (BCSF) Community stream in BC.
The investment was announced by the federal and provincial governments and UBCM as part of more than $152 million in funding for 54 community infrastructure and capacity-building projects across British Columbia.
The grant will support the development of a Recreation Facilities Strategic Plan to guide future investment and decision-making for recreation infrastructure. As the community continues to grow, the plan will help ensure recreation facilities and amenities meet current and future needs.
The plan will assess existing facilities and identify priorities for repairs, upgrades, replacement and expansion. It will also consider population growth, recreation trends and emerging community needs.
“This funding allows us to take a thoughtful and proactive approach to recreation facility planning,” said Susie Saunders, Director of Recreation, Culture and Community Services. “By understanding both current needs and future growth, we can make informed decisions that support healthy and active communities now and in the future.”
The Recreation Facilities Strategic Plan will build on the City's Recreation Services Strategic Plan, planned to begin this fall, which will establish community-informed priorities and service levels for recreation programs and services. Together, these plans will provide a roadmap for delivering sustainable and responsive recreation opportunities for residents.
The BCSF Community stream is a transfer-based program that provides $2.5 billion per year in funding to communities across Canada. The Province of British Columbia receives over $326 million annually from this stream, which is administered by the Union of BC Municipalities and distributed to local governments through the Community Works Fund, Strategic Priorities Fund, and Metro Vancouver Regional Fund.
Relevant Links
News release - Building Communities Strong in British Columbia with 54 new infrastructure projects - Canada.ca