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. A complete and chronological listing (by intake deadline) of currently offered Local Government Program Services grants is also available on the UBCM website.
Flood Risk Assessment, Flood Mapping and Flood Mitigation Planning: This program supports 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 deadline is February 26, 2021.
Poverty Reduction: The Poverty Reduction Planning & Action Program supports local governments in reducing poverty at the local level and to support the Province’s poverty reduction strategy. The deadline is March 5, 2021.
FireSmart Economic Recovery Fund: The FireSmart Economic Recovery Fund supports immediate job creation in order to build local wildfire resiliency and assist communities in recovering from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Apply by March 19, 2020. See the article in today’s Compass.
Emergency Operations Centres and Training: This program supports the purchase of equipment and supplies required to maintain or improve Emergency Operations Centres (EOC) and to enhance EOC capacity through training and exercises. Deadline is March 26, 2021.
Other Funding
Clean Coast, Clean Waters Initiative Fund: This new fund supports marine shoreline clean-up and derelict vessel removal in coastal communities within British Columbia. Funding of between $500,000 to $3,500,000 is available to each applicant. The application deadline is February 15, 2021.
Okanagan Basin Water Board - Water Conservation and Quality Improvement: The OBWB is accepting applications to its Water Conservation and Quality Improvement grant program. With $350,000 available, applicants that meet the program criteria can receive between $3,000 and $30,000 for projects which occur within the Okanagan Basin. Eligible applicants include Okanagan local governments and First Nations, irrigation districts, and non-profit organizations. The application deadline is February 26, 2021.
Municipalities for Climate Innovation Program: MCIP is a five-year, $75-million program that helps municipalities prepare for, and adapt to, climate change, and to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. Delivered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and funded by the Government of Canada, MCIP is available to all municipalities and their partners. Applications are accepted until March 15, 2021.
Municipal Asset Management Program: MAMP is an eight-year, $110-million program funded by Infrastructure Canada to support Canadian municipalities and communities in making informed infrastructure investment decisions based on stronger asset management practices.
Funding for Energy Efficient Affordable Housing: This $300 million FCM initiative offers support to local and affordable housing providers, including local governments, to retrofit affordable housing units or build new energy efficient units. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis until annual funds are exhausted.
Infrastructure Planning Grant Program: The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing offers grants up to $10,000 to help local governments plan, design and manage sustainable infrastructure.
Connecting British Columbia: This program is currently accepting applications for funding through successive in-takes. Funds are available to help internet service providers and regional and local governments connect people in rural and Indigenous communities with high-speed internet.
Universal Broadband Fund: The Universal Broadband Fund supports broadband infrastructure projects bringing high-speed Internet to rural and remote households in areas that lack service of at least 50/10 Mbps. The program also supports mobile projects that primarily benefit Indigenous peoples.
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 invited until September 30, 2022.
First Nations Adapt Program: This federal program supports First Nations 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.
New Relationship Trust: The NRT is an independent non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening First Nations in BC through capacity building. Numerous funding, initiatives and resources are available on their website
Columbia Basin Trust: CBT offers the grants and programs to help residents and communities in the Basin take action on issues that are important to them.
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
Local FireSmart Representative Workshops: BC FireSmart is offering LFR training as a virtual workshop at no cost in two consecutive half-day sessions. The course assists community leaders and fire professionals to implement all components of the FireSmart Canada Neighbourhood Recognition Program and equips participants with an understanding of current Wildland Urban Interface concepts, wildfire hazard assessments and the tools and skills necessary to recruit and motivate volunteer community leaders. All existing LFRs need to recertify under this new course. FireSmart 101 is a prerequisite: see the link at this BC FireSmart web page. Upcoming workshops dates are February 10-11, 2021 and April 21-22, 2021.
Bridging Silos: Advancing climate adaptation and low carbon resilience in small communities and rural regions is a free virtual knowledge sharing event being hosted by the Columbia Basin Rural Development Institute, ACT (the Adaptation to Climate Change Team) at Simon Fraser University, and Planning Institute of BC’s Kootenay-Rocky Mountain Chapter. March 4-5, 2021.
Virtual Reconciliation Engagements: Interested in raising awareness about reconciliation for your community, organization or business? In light of the COVID-19 crisis, Reconciliation Canada is currently providing all our engagements online. They can provide a virtual gathering with our inspiring speaker to help engage reconciliation in a meaningful way.
The State of the Economy in Northern BC: This issue of Northern Dispatch asks the question, “How has COVID-19 impacted the economy in Northern B.C.?”
Advancing Your Asset Management Practice: If you missed this recent Asset Management BC webinar, you can now view the recording. Meet our speakers and learn more about how this unique training program will benefit you.
Rapid Action Resources for Local Governments - Community Food Production: Over the coming months, PlanH will be releasing a series of Rapid Action Resources to provide local governments with an understanding of the equity considerations around various aspects of food security, as well as examples of good practices in food security from other local governments in the province.
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.
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 Rural Centre: The Centre provides a wealth of links to assets, news, videos, services, and resources of value to rural British Columbians.
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.
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.