Fifty-seven community, recreation, and green infrastructure projects across British Columbia will receive more than $110.3 million in government funding.

These investments are intended to help build inclusive, resilient communities; create good jobs and business opportunities; address some of the gaps highlighted by the pandemic; and support local climate-related initiatives.

Among the communities benefitting from the investment, the City of Richmond’s former Minoru Place Activity Centre will be repurposed into an inclusive community arts facility. It will increase arts programming for residents with the construction of two dance studios, a pottery studio, a media arts studio, and multi-purpose program rooms.

Among the 13 Indigenous-led projects receiving funding, the Doig River First Nations will construct a new cultural education building to accommodate in-person and virtual learning. The First Nations of the McLeod Lake Indian Band will also build a community centre featuring a lobby with cultural displays, a gym, fitness room, multi-purpose rooms, and outdoor gathering spaces.

Other communities in the province will benefit from new or upgraded community halls, arts centres, arenas, pools, play structures, parks, and community gardens, as well as improved water treatment systems. A few projects will also construct or enhance active transportation options, including the pedestrian and cycling overpass connecting the Galloping Goose regional trail to the Island Highway in Colwood.

The federal government is investing more than $56.8 million in these projects through the Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure, Rural and Northern Infrastructure, and Green Infrastructure streams of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. The provincial government is contributing $53.4 million. Contributions from project recipients total $27.1 million.