As part of its Economic Recovery Plan, the provincial government has introduced the Community Economic Recovery Infrastructure Program (CERIP), which will provide up to $90 million in support through fully-funded provincial grants supporting communities impacted by COVID-19.

Local governments and regional districts, Indigenous governments and organizations, and non-profit organizations are eligible to apply for the grants, which allocate a maximum of $1 million per applicant. Applications are open until 11:59 p.m. on October 29, 2020, for projects in four funding streams: 

  • Community Economic Resilience: Up to $30 million in grants to support short-term and small-scale infrastructure projects, such as the revitalization of public spaces and facilities.
  • Destination Development: Up to $20 million in grants to support projects that bring visitors back to B.C. communities, such as enhancing existing tourism infrastructure.
  • Unique Heritage Infrastructure: Up to $20 million in grants for projects focused on conservation, repair, rehabilitation, or development of cultural heritage infrastructure.
  • Rural Economic Recovery: Up to $20 million in grants to support community-led projects that will assist rural communities to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

To be considered for the grants, projects must start by December 31, 2021, and end by March 31, 2023. 

More information regarding CERIP, including eligibility and application requirements, can be found online. A full guide to the program, including ministry contact information for each specific stream, can be accessed here

If you have questions about the program, contact the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing by email or by phone at (250) 387-4060.

Tourism-related businesses who have questions about the government supports available to businesses can also register for the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Resiliency Program. Delivered by the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, this program provides one-on-one support to tourism businesses in the region.