Community economic recovery infrastructure program

The Community Economic Resilience (CER) funding stream was focused on short-term and small scale infrastructure projects, such as:

• Revitalizing outdoor recreation, parks, washrooms and downtown areas
• Accessing additional space for social distancing
• Improving emergency preparedness 
• Upgrading public buildings

Proposed projects had to be created with the following economic recovery objectives in mind: 

• Initial job creation in the construction industry
• Job creation that supports other areas of the community impacted by COVID-19, like local retail and services

The CER funding stream had up to $30 million to distribute among successful applicants. Applicants received a grant up to a maximum of $1 million. CER projects had to be be outcome-based, targeted, time bound and transparent.

Project examples

Project: Community Trail Improvements

Estimated cost: $165,000

Description: Expand an existing one-way community trail. Due to COVID-19 and the closure of a local recreation centre, trail usage has increased. The project would create a trail loop so all users can maintain social distancing. 

Project: Outdoor Meeting Space 

Estimated cost: $275,000

Description: Create a new outdoor space to host events, public markets, town meeting and music in the square nights. The current outdoor space is too small to accommodate social distancing. The new space will allow the community to meet and maintain social distancing in a safe manner.

Please review critical requirements in the CERIP Program Guide.

The Destination Development (DD) funding stream was focused on projects that bring visitors back to B.C. communities, such as:

• New or enhanced tourism infrastructure and attractions to attract visitors, including:
  • Interpretive, cultural or tourism welcome centres
  • Tourism causeways
  • Construction of destination trails
  • Event facilities
  • Pivoting mountain resorts to all season destinations
• Tourism products and amenities that improve the visitor experience, including:
  • Wayfinding, interpretive and First Nations signage
  • Washroom facilities, lighted pathways, and accessibility improvements
  • Seasonal adaptation and expansion projects
• Tourism adaptation projects that help facilities adjust to COVID-19 protocols, including:
  • Patio expansion
  • Staff accommodation modifications
  • Enhancement of gathering spaces
  • Plexiglass installations
  • Touch free modifications

Proposed projects had to be created with the following economic recovery objectives in mind:

• Shovel-ready projects that can be expedited
• Provides job opportunities and immediate stimulus
• Strengthens the destination offering to elevate B.C’.s competitiveness and reputation as a ‘must visit’ travel destination
• Supports B.C.'s 19 destination development local areas plans
• Increases the capacity of tourism destinations to welcome visitors, including adjusting to COVID-19 protocols

The DD funding stream had up to $20 million to distribute among successful applicants. Applicants received a grant up to a maximum of $1 million. DD projects had to be outcome-based, targeted, time bound and transparent.

Project examples

Project: Community Gateway 

Estimated cost: $120,000

Description: Installation of new visitor amenities (public washrooms, visitor information, EV charging station, public art) at a community gateway. The project would help draw visitors to the community, improve their welcome experience and provide additional amenities to support social distancing protocols.

Project: Mountain Resort Adaptation

Estimated cost: $500,000

Description: Installation of outdoor infrastructure and provision at a mountain resort. The current indoor space is too small to accommodate social distancing. The project would allow the resort to meet COVID-19 protocols and expand visitor capacity during the peak ski season, as well as expand outdoor gathering space in shoulder seasons.        

Please review critical requirements in the CERIP Program Guide.

The Unique Heritage Infrastructure (UHI) funding stream was focused on projects that conserve, repair, rehabilitate or develop cultural heritage infrastructure, such as:

• Heritage structures, cultural heritage sites, landscapes or trails
• Facilities that support the safeguarding and transmission of history and/or cultural heritage knowledge and practices or traditional trades and crafts
• Facilities that support cultural heritage documentary history research
• Facilities that house and safeguard cultural heritage materials and belongings, including repatriated Indigenous materials

Proposed projects had to be created with the following economic recovery objectives in mind: 

• Sustain heritage places for communities and visitors while supporting the transmission of knowledge and specialized skills of cultural heritage
• Create employment for people associated with the stewardship of cultural heritage
• Create opportunities for Indigenous communities to protect, learn about, share and revitalize Indigenous cultural heritage, including the preservation, housing and showcasing of Indigenous cultural heritage materials and cultural knowledge and practices
• Recognize Indigenous peoples as the stewards of their cultural heritage, including positioning the First Peoples’ Cultural Council as the lead agency for Indigenous applicants

The UHI funding stream had up to $20 million to distribute among successful applicants. Applicants received a grant up to a maximum of $1 million. UHI projects must be completed within two years.

Project examples

Project: Historic Building and Landscape Upgrades

Estimated cost: $125,000

Description: Recreate a historic kitchen garden, undertake roof repairs and upgrade visitor washrooms at a historic house that is operated as a community museum and learning centre. The project would support local food security and public programming, while ensuring the ongoing conservation of the heritage place. 

Project: Indigenous Cultural Centre Improvements

Estimated cost: $250,000

Description: Improve a facility that houses Indigenous material and culture in order to improve storage and conservation services. The project would support the capacity of the First Nation to care for repatriated materials that are significant for the transmission of community cultural knowledge and practices. 

Additional Information for UHI Applicants

Indigenous Applicants

Indigenous applicants are not required to apply through the Local Government Information System.

• Please apply through First Peoples’ Cultural Council’s online grant portal
• Contact Karen Aird (karen@fpcc.ca) at the First Peoples’ Cultural Council for further information on funding for Indigenous cultural heritage projects

Other Applicants

Please review critical requirements in the CERIP Program Guide.

The Rural Economic Recovery (RER) funding stream was focused on helping rural Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities accelerate their recovery from COVID-19 through community-led projects, such as:

• Building necessary infrastructure to support local industries, diversify and attract new investment
• Supporting the retention and expansion of existing local businesses
• Identifying local or regional economic recovery needs and required responses

Proposed projects had to be created with the following economic recovery objectives in mind:

• Develop/expand infrastructure to support business growth for key rural economic sectors such as agriculture, natural resource development, and technology development
• Assist rural businesses in adapting to the post-COVID landscape by redefining delivery mechanisms, increasing e-commerce, and developing new business opportunities
• Bring together key stakeholders to identify solutions and opportunities in the current economic situation

The RER funding stream had up to $20 million to distribute among successful applicants. Applicants received a grant up to a maximum of $1 million.

Project examples

Project: Industrial Park Improvements

Estimated Cost: $300,000

Description: Completing necessary improvements to an existing industrial park, such as the provision of three-phase power or improved access. Improvements support existing business and will attract new investment. The project will create immediate employment through the construction phase and a legacy asset to support future economic growth.

Project: Creation of Local Abattoir

Estimated Cost: $250,000

Description: Completing the design and construction of a small-scale abattoir to provide processing services to support the local meat industry. The completed facility will reduce processing delays, increase efficiency and productivity for local producers, and create jobs for the local economy.

Please review critical requirements in the CERIP Program Guide.