Mayor's Report - July 2006

Belcarra residents have heard me complain numerous times that the Provincial grants to small communities have been frozen over the past 15 years, and that other sources of funding (e.g. the tax levy) have had to make-up the equivalent of 35% of the grant total ($102,889); that is, the amount lost to inflation over the past 15 years (~$35,000) in addition to all other increased operating costs. Well, the Province has finally provided some good news on this subject!

On July 14^th Community Services Minister Ida Chong announced that BC communities will receive $33 million this year in local government grants from the Province, an increase of $8.3 million from last year:

“We are continuing our commitment to double Small Community and Regional District grants over four years,” said Chong. “Local governments are best positioned to determine local priorities in providing services and solutions for their communities. The Small Community grants ensure that all local governments can provide a basic level of services for their communities.”

For the Village of Belcarra, this announcement means that our Small Community Grant will increase from $102,889 to $143,254 in 2006.
Good news indeed!

Small Community Grants are unconditional, and balance stability and equity under a new formula developed in consultation with UBCM. The formula will have three elements: basic funding for all municipalities with a population less than 15,000, population-based funding, and property assessment-based funding. These grants are for small and medium-sized municipalities to fund basic services for residents.

The Province also recently signed the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund, a new infrastructure agreement with the Government of Canada to provide $102 million in combined senior government funding over the coming year for communities across B.C. At least 60 per cent of funding will assist with “green” projects such as drinking water supply, treatment and distribution needs; improved local wastewater and storm-water sewage treatment; enhanced public transit; and improved energy conservation. Application funding details are expected later this summer.

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