BC Announces New Rural Economic Diversification Program

The BC Government announced on Monday (11-14-22) that it is investing as much as $33 million (CAD) in 2022–23 to create the Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program (REDIP), which will support projects that promote economic diversification, resilience, clean-growth opportunities, and infrastructure development.

The BC Government is encouraging local governments, First Nations, and other organizations looking to strengthen their communities to apply for the new funding, which can be used to build capacity and diversify rural and remote economies in BC.

REDIP is funded in part by $185 million over three years from Budget 2022 to provide coordinated and comprehensive supports for forestry workers, industry, communities, and First Nations that may be impacted by restrictions on old-growth logging.

Local governments, Indigenous communities and organizations, Indigenous development corporations, and not-for-profit organizations can apply for funding starting November 15, 2022. A second intake will be open next year, with more information available in spring 2023.

Building resilient communities is a key action of the StrongerBC Economic Plan.