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, particularly with respect to sustainability and meeting infrastructure needs.
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 percent of the funding for municipalities and regional districts for approved projects.
Communities with populations under 5,000 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 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.
The program also includes a ‘capacity building’ component to encourage small communities to invest in training and other professional development initiatives. This allows up to 10 percent of eligible costs to be committed to developing capacity in sustainable approaches to infrastructure planning and management.
Project selection criteria include:
- contributing towards community greenhouse gas emissions reductions;
- improving public and environmental health;
- advancing the principle of being more physically active; and,
- building senior-friendly and disability-friendly communities.
Towns for Tomorrow Program Guide (PDF 275KB)
For program progress reporting, click here.