Duncan, North Cowichan, Ladysmith and Lake Cowichan are getting tens of thousands of dollars from the provincial government to try to address poverty.
Poverty-reduction grants from the province will be used to address local needs in the Cowichan Valley, as well as other communities on Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast.
The funding includes a $48,000 grant that will be used by the City of Duncan and the Municipality of North Cowichan to develop a poverty-reduction planning process and action plan to improve the lives of people living in poverty in their communities.
Ladysmith will receive $50,000 to host a food-security fair with demonstration workshops, as well as implement a food-distribution program for Stz’uminus Elders and an after-school snack program to support local recreation and cultural programs.
Lake Cowichan has been earmarked for a $50,000 grant for its poverty-reduction project that offers free meal planning, food budgeting and preserving, as well as cooking and meal-sharing workshops.
It will also provide a safe space to borrow tools, share garden space, and share skills, goods and other supports.
“All British Columbians should have the right to support themselves and their families and live with dignity,” said Doug Routley, MLA for Nanaimo-North Cowichan.
“These poverty-reduction grants are a fine example of what we’re doing to support local governments in their work to take action against poverty.”
In total more than $440,000 is being given out across the province.
Funding for the projects is from the third intake of the Union of B.C. Municipalities’ Poverty Reduction Planning and Action Program, which supports local government projects or plans to reduce poverty at the local level.
The intent of the funding is for local governments to develop initiatives that are aligned with TogetherBC, B.C.’s poverty-reduction strategy.
