Towns for Tomorrow was launched in December 2006 as part of the Province’s effort to address the unique challenges faced by smaller communities in British Columbia with respect to sustainability and meeting their infrastructure needs.
Originally a three-year, $21-million program for communities with populations up to 5,000, Towns for Tomorrow was recently expanded. Premier Campbell announced at the 2008 UBCM annual convention that an additional $50 million has been allocated to the program to accommodate municipalities with populations of 15,000 or less and regional districts.
Now a five-year, $71-million program, Towns for Tomorrow provides funding for infrastructure projects that address climate change and contribute to the overall health, sustainability and livability of communities.
Unlike traditional government infrastructure programs that provide matching provincial funding up to one-third of the total project costs, Towns for Tomorrow provides up to 80 per cent of the funding for approved projects. Under the revised program structure, communities with populations under 5,000 will continue to cost–share with the Province on an 80/20 basis, with a maximum provincial contribution of $400,000. Communities with populations between 5,000 and 15,000 will share on a 75/25 basis, with a maximum provincial contribution of $375,000.
Eligible projects include, but are not limited to:
- water projects;
- wastewater projects;
- public transit projects;
- environmental energy improvement projects;
- local road projects;
- recreation and cultural projects;
- tourism projects;
- protective and emergency services infrastructure projects; and,
- community development projects.
To encourage small communities to invest in training and other professional development initiatives, the program also includes a ‘capacity building’ component. This allows up to 10 per cent of eligible costs to be committed to developing capacity in sustainable approaches to infrastructure planning and management.
Project selection criteria include:
- contribution towards community greenhouse gas emissions reductions;
- improved public and environmental health;
- advancing ActNow BC’s principle of being more physically active; and,
- building seniors-friendly and disability-friendly communities.
For a complete list of projects, visit the Funded Projects page.
For more information about $14 billion being invested in capital projects by the Province of British Columbia over the next three years, see the website "Every Job Counts!"
