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
Regional Community to Community Forums: With the goal of increased understanding and improved overall relations between First Nations and local governments, C2C Forum events are intended to provide a time and place for dialogue to build on opportunities, support reconciliation efforts, resolve issues of common responsibility, interest or concern, and/or to advance tangible outcomes. The C2C program can contribute a maximum of 50% of the cost of eligible activities - to a maximum of $5,000.00. Application deadlines for forum events to be held by March 31, 2020, are September 13 and December 6, 2019.
Asset Management Planning: This program seeks to support local governments to take next steps on the path to better asset management practices. A further objective of the program is to support local governments in meeting their asset management commitments under the Gas Tax Fund. Matching grants of up to $15,000.00 are available. The next application deadline is October 4, 2019.
The following three funding opportunities are currently being offered under the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund:
Structural Flood Mitigation: The intent of this funding stream is to support eligible applicants to prevent, eliminate or reduce the impacts of hazards through construction of structural flood mitigation projects. Ongoing operational costs are not eligible. The maximum eligible funding is $750,000. The application deadline is October 25, 2019.
Volunteer & Composite Fire Departments Equipment & Training: The intent of this funding stream is to build the resiliency of volunteer and composite fire departments through the purchase of new or replacement equipment, and to facilitate the delivery of training and exercises. The application deadline is November 15, 2019.
Indigenous Cultural Safety Training: This stream supports eligible applicants to provide emergency management personnel with cultural safety and humility training in order to more effectively partner with and provide assistance to Indigenous communities during times of emergency. The application deadline is December 13, 2019.
Housing Needs Report Program: This program supports local governments in undertaking housing needs reports in order to meet the provincial requirements. The reports will strengthen the ability of local governments to understand what kinds of housing are most needed in their communities, and help inform local plans, policies, and development decisions. Application deadline is November 29, 2019.
Other Funding
New Horizons for Seniors: This program offers community-based grants that are either for activity-based or capital assistance projects. Projects are eligible to receive up to $25,000 in grant funding per project for up to 1 year. Application deadline is June 21, 2019.
BC Rural Dividend: The sixth intake of the BC Rural Dividend Program runs June 15, 2019 to August 15, 2019. The Province is providing up to $25 million a year to assist rural communities, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous, with a population of 25,000 or less to strengthen and diversify their local economies. It was developed to recognize both the contribution rural communities have made to B.C.'s economy, and the unique challenges they face to diversify beyond natural resources. The online application form opens on June 15, 2019.
BC Rural Dividend Info Session: Join the Program Team for an overview of the Rural Dividend Program - with information for new applicants, how to apply to the program, and highlights of what's new for this round. Following the presentation, there will be an opportunity for participants to ask questions. Join the webinar on June 13 10:00am
Indigenous Services Canada Asset Management Program: This program's intent is to help First Nations develop capacity for long-term infrastructure construction and maintenance planning and to manage their infrastructure in a more sustainable way. It can allow communities to proactively manage their assets, such as schools, water treatment facilities and buildings, and take preventative measures with improved operations and maintenance. The deadline to submit an application is June 30, 2019.
Infrastructure Planning Grant Program: The BC Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing offers grants to support local government in projects related to the development of sustainable community infrastructure. The program is open for applications year-round, and has regular processing deadlines. Next deadline is July 10, 2019.
NDIT Strategic Initiatives Fund: The deadline is quickly approaching for the Northern Development Strategic Initiatives Fund. Approximately $600,000 is available for large-scale projects that will enhance a community's ability to overcome economic challenges and increase strategic economic infrastructure within a First Nation or local government. This funding is only available to local governments and First Nations within Northern Development's service region. Apply before July 31, 2019.
Community Outdoor Revitalization: These Columbia Basin Trust Grants are available to municipalities with populations of 5,000 or less, unincorporated areas and First Nations communities. The deadline to apply for capital grants is June 14, 2019. Project Planning and Design Grant applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
Ship-source Oil Pollution Fund: The SOPF is available to pay claims to victims of oil pollution damages from ships. In case of oil pollution, the Fund provides municipalities with compensation for: clean-up costs and preventive measures, environmental damage repair costs, property damage, losses related to tourism and fishing, and other economic losses. The SOPF's priority this year is to increase awareness of the Fund, so that municipalities bordering the sea, lakes or rivers can benefit from the Fund in case of oil pollution from a ship or boat.
Local Government Restructure Grants: This program supports the arms length, credible examination of the potential impacts of significant changes to the geography or services of a local government. These grants also cover the transition and implementation costs to reduce barriers to restructuring local governments.
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.
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.
FCM Funding Opportunities: Visit this site to learn about FCM's funding offerings, from plans and studies, to pilots, capital projects and more.
Events & Resources
ALC Regional Seminars: With recent changes to the ALC Act and Regulations, the Agricultural Land Commission is hosting regional seminars around the province. Local governments are encouraged to send a variety of staff, including planning, building, engineering, and bylaw enforcement staff. The events are also open to Elected Officials and Agricultural Advisory Committee members. Two dates remain: Prince George on June 12, 2019, and Fort St. John on June 19, 2019.
Planning and Implementing Fuel Treatment Activities in BC's Diverse Ecosystems: This webinar will provide practical examples of what constitutes an effective wildfire risk reduction treatment in BC, including both landscape fuel break planning and stand-level tools. June 20, 2019, 9:00am.
BC FireSmart Website: The BC FireSmart Committee has launched a new website in time for the 2019 wildfire season. The 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: Are you interested in learning more about asset management practices and infrastructure planning? The FCM's Municipal Asset Management Program's Technical Working Group has curated a selection of asset management resources, including a Beginner's Guide, from across the country.
Introduction to Reconciliation Webinar: This Reconciliation Canada webinar creates a safe place for participants to explore our shared Canadian history, examine the meaning of reconciliation, and their respective role to play. Join Charlene Seward in this recorded hour-long webinar and explore your values and beliefs as they relate to reconciliation.
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.