The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) has approved over $1 million in funding for 140 projects across the East Kootenay for the next coming year.
Projects to benefit from the funding — which is derived from Columbia Basin Trust’s (CBT) Community Initiatives and Affected Areas Program — include French Early Learning Programming in the City of Fernie, an Urban Deer Translocation Trial in the District of Elkford, medical equipment for loan in Fernie and funding for the Elk Valley Critical Incident Response Team in Fernie, Elkford and the District of Sparwood as well as RDEK Electoral Areas A and B.
Funding for the elderly and children with special needs were also provided to Sparwood through Lilac Terrace Resident Seating funds and a summer program for children with special needs.
“The approved projects cover everything from education programs to community hall upgrades, sports programs and history projects,” said RDEK Board Chair Rob Gay in a press release. “On behalf of the RDEK Board and our residents, I want to thank the trust for providing this funding for so many different community-based projects, many of which could not happen without this support.”
The funding was officially approved at the board meeting on Friday, May 29 following public input and recommendations from the municipalities.