Each month we provide an update on UBCM funding programs and information on other programs, events and resources that may be of interest to local governments and First Nations.
Local Government Program Services
Applications are currently being accepted for the following funding programs and stream. A complete and chronological listing of grants currently offered by Local Government Program Services is also available on the UBCM website.
Emergency Operations Centres & Training: The intent of this funding stream is to support the purchase of equipment and supplies required to maintain or improve Emergency Operations Centres (EOC) and to enhance EOC capacity through training and exercises. The maximum available funding is $25,000. The application deadline is March 13, 2020.
Regional Community to Community (C2C) Forums: The goal of a Regional C2C Forum is increased understanding and improved overall relations between First Nations and local governments. Forum events are intended to provide a time and place for dialogue to build on opportunities, support reconciliation efforts, and resolve issues of common responsibility, interest or concern. Three intake deadlines have been set for the 2020/21 fiscal year: April 9, September 4 and December 4, 2020.
See the recently published Guide to Community to Community Forums in British Columbia for more information and helpful advice on convening a forum, including sample event plan, agenda, etc.
Evacuation Route Planning: The intent of this funding stream is to support eligible applicants to develop Evacuation Route Plans for communities that would otherwise be challenged to successfully undertake an evacuation operation during an emergency. The maximum available funding is $25,000. Apply by April 17, 2020.
Asset Management Planning: Matching grants of up to $15,000.00 are available to support activities that advance a local government’s asset management planning or practices, and that facilitate better integration of asset management planning with long term financial planning. Two intake deadlines have been set for 2020: April 24 and September 11, 2020.
Other Funding
2020 PlanH Grants: Social Connectedness grants of up to $5,000, plus in-kind supports, are available for up to 15 BC local governments working understand and take action on priority needs in their communities. Healthy Community Engagement grants of up to $15,000, plus in-kind supports, are available for up to five local governments who are striving to create healthier, more equitable and inclusive communities. Application deadline is April 5, 2020.
Indigenous Agriculture and Food Systems Initiative: The objective of this initiative is to increase economic development opportunities of Indigenous Peoples and communities in Canada, by supporting Indigenous communities and entrepreneurs who are ready to launch agriculture and food systems projects, and others who want to build their capacity to participate in the Canadian agriculture and agri-food sector. Proposals can be submitted at any time until September 30, 2022.
First Nations Adapt Program: This federal program supports First Nation communities to assess and respond to climate change impacts on community infrastructure and emergency management. It prioritizes communities most impacted by sea level rise, flooding, forest fires, and winter road failures. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis.
Rail Safety Improvement Program: This federal program provides funding for local governments and First Nations to bring existing railway crossings into compliance with federal Grade Crossing Regulations and Grade Crossing Standards. The deadline for applications is August 1, 2020.
FCM Funding Opportunities: Visit this site to learn about FCM’s funding offerings, from plans and studies, to pilot and capital projects, and more.
Other Funding Opportunities: BC Healthy Communities has compiled a list of funding opportunities worth knowing about, along with guides and resources to support your grant writing activities.
Events & Resources
2019 State of the North Economic Report: This report from Northern Development highlights a wealth of new data on Northern B.C.’s key sectors, including regional profiles. It indicates the short-term outlook for the northern economy is mixed at best with significant energy investment, but continuing challenges in the interior forest sector.
Advancing and Integrating Municipal Natural Asset Management: Ontario is the first province in Canada to regulate asset management planning at the municipal level, with all 444 Ontario municipalities required to have a strategic asset management policy and asset management plan for core and all other municipal infrastructure assets. The regulation also requires municipalities to inventory, value, and integrate green infrastructure – including natural infrastructure and, by extension, natural assets – into their asset management planning. MNAI has developed this helpful report.
BC FireSmart Website: This website introduces the FireSmart program and its seven disciplines and is intended as a one stop shop for all things FireSmart. The site includes links to training, education, an events calendar, resource library and downloadable content. It also features a short video inviting everyone to become involved in prevention and to learn about the benefits of FireSmart.
Weathering the Storm - Developing a Canadian Standard for Flood-Resilient Existing Communities: This report from the Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation presents a flood hazard and vulnerability screening framework that can help identify areas in existing residential communities that require the most immediate attention for flood risk. Application of the framework will enable communities to make better-informed decisions when prioritizing areas for flood-resiliency programming.
Resources for Rural & Small Communities: BC Healthy Communities has launched a collection of resources related to PlanH action areas, with a rural and small community lens.
Asset Management Resources: Asset Management BC’s website is an information-rich resource for BC local governments, including the recently updated Asset Management for Delivery: A BC Framework and four new Sustainable Service Primers: Climate Change; Natural Assets; The Role of Operations & Maintenance; and Land Use Planning.
CivicInfo BC: British Columbia's local government information hub offers comprehensive organizational and grant directories, events listings, tools for training, research and career development, bids & tenders, and other resources.