The province is investing almost $21 million in the Cowichan region.
A statement from the province said that as communities continue to grow, local governments are having to meet the increased strain on infrastructure and amenities; including, roads, transit, water and electrical systems, as well as community centres, parks and social services.
The Growing Communities Fund is an investment that will see the NDP government distribute $1 billion across B.C.’s 188 municipalities and regional districts to support their unique needs.
North Cowichan will receive $7.7 million, the Cowichan Valley Regional District is earmarked for more than $5.6 million, Ladysmith will receive $3.4 million, Duncan will get $2.1 million and Lake Cowichan will receive $1.9 million.
“People in our region count on the services that local governments provide,” said Doug Routley, MLA for Nanaimo-North Cowichan.
“That is why we are committed to working with communities and helping improve infrastructure and amenities for people.”
The Growing Communities Fund grants are intended to complement, rather than displace, existing infrastructure funding.