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
A complete and chronological listing of grants currently offered by Local Government Program Services is available on the UBCM website.
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 advance tangible outcomes. The C2C program can contribute a maximum of 50% of the cost of eligible activities – to a maximum of $5,000. The application deadline for forum events to be held by March 31, 2020 is December 6, 2019.
Indigenous Cultural Safety Training: This CEPF funding 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.
Age-friendly Communities: This program assists communities in BC to support aging populations by developing and implementing policies and plans, undertaking projects that enable seniors and Elders to age in place, and facilitating the creation of age-friendly communities. The application deadline is January 17, 2020.
Flood Risk Assessment, Mapping & Mitigation Planning: The intent of this CEPF funding stream is to support eligible applicants to ensure they have accurate knowledge of the flood hazards they face and to develop effective strategies to mitigate and prepare for those risks. The maximum available funding is $150,000. The application deadline is January 24, 2020.
Community Child Care Planning: This program provides funding for local governments to engage in child care planning activities in order to develop a community child care space creation action plan. The Community Child Care Planning Program can contribute a maximum of 100% of the cost of eligible activities to a maximum of $25,000. Applications are now being accepted for the second intake of the program. The application deadline is January 31, 2020.
Poverty Reduction: The intent of the Poverty Reduction Planning & Action program is to support local governments in reducing poverty at the local level and to support the Province’s poverty reduction strategy. Deadline: February 28, 2020.
Other Funding
Physical Literacy for Communities - B.C. Initiative: The purpose of the Initiative is to improve the development of physical literacy through a multi-sector community approach, leading to increased physical activity which positively impacts the health and well being of British Columbians. Communities are invited to apply to the Sport for Life Society by January 31, 2020.
Water Conservation and Quality Improvement Grants: The Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB) has created a guide for applicants to the Water Conservation and Quality Improvement Grant Program. A total of $350,000 is made available annually by the OBWB for this valley-wide program.
Wildfire Community Preparedness Day 2020: Wildfire Community Preparedness Day is a program designed to support communities across Canada with holding FireSmart events to proactively address wildfire issues at a local level. Successful applicants will receive $500 and an event box to help make their FireSmart event a success. Applications accepted until January 17, 2020.
CivicSpatial Grant Program: Funding is available to support AddressBC data quality improvement. This grant program will provide a one-time grant of $1,000 to eligible Local Government and First Nations ICI Society members to improve the accuracy of submitted address data.
First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund: The First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund (FNCEBF) promotes increased Indigenous community participation in the clean energy sector within their asserted traditional territories and treaty areas. The fund provides agreements between the BC Government and successful applicants for Capacity funding and Equity funding. It also provides revenue sharing agreements between the BC Government and eligible First Nations.
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 local governments 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 local governments 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.
Vancouver Foundation Community Grants: This foundation supports thousands of projects every year to help build healthy, vibrant, and livable communities across BC.
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
Adaptation Canada: Canada’s national conference on climate change adaptation. Early Bird registration is open for this conference coming to Vancouver, February 19-21, 2020.
Financing tools for local climate action: Canadian municipalities are reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through pilot projects, municipal programs, and more. However, financing these initiatives can be a significant challenge. FCM’s toolkit explains how your municipality can leverage private and community investors to help you take action on climate change in your community.
ReTooling for Climate Change: The Fraser Basin Council hosts this first-stop website on climate change adaptation. Here is the place to find top tools and resources for BC local governments, First Nations and the natural resource sectors as everyone prepares for the impacts of climate change, now and in the years ahead.
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.
The State of Forestry in Northern BC: Northern Dispatch reports are short reports that delve into portions of the State of the North report in greater detail, adding commentary and context on specific sectors or subjects. This recent report is timely given the continued importance of forestry to the BC economy and recent mill shutdowns.
Healthy Housing Action Guide: This new BC Healthy Communities guide explores ways that communities can bring an equity and health lens to housing policies, and includes definitions, case studies, funding information, legislation, and actions that local governments can take to support healthy housing in their community.
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.
Building sustainable communities with asset management: This guidebook is designed for staff or elected officials in medium and large municipalities who are responsible for green projects or who are interested in municipal sustainable development.
Asset management resources: Are you interested in learning more about asset management practices and infrastructure planning? 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.
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 roles 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.