July 11, 2013 - 1:01 PM
B.C. communities are sharing $56.2 million to invest in policing and community safety, services and municipal- level projects that are deemed priorities, Coralee Oakes, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development announced today.
The Strategic Community Investment Fund (SCIF) includes the Traffic Fine Revenue Sharing Program, Small Community Grants and Regional District Grants.
Previous years' traffic fine revenue has been used for more policing, new equipment and increased community safety initiatives including:
* a new imaging camera and cycling signage in Courtenay.
* enhanced traffic/alcohol related enforcement and four police fleet vehicles in Prince George.
* additional RCMP officers to support Crime Reduction Strategy in Kelowna.
* six new police officers added in smaller communities such as Fort St. John, Summerland, Parksville and Merritt.
Previous years' Small Community and Regional District grants have been used to help address infrastructure and service delivery priorities including:
* construction of a new outdoor pool in Armstrong.
* repairing aging roadways at the entrance to Cumberland.
* accelerating harbour improvement project by two years in Port McNeill.
* hiring public works staff and seasonal workers in Harrison Hot Springs.
* a finished community wharf project, brushing initiatives, and trail maintenance and park reclamation using local unemployed labour in Port Clements.
Since 2009, the SCIF has provided over $600 million to help support B.C. communities.
News from © iNFOnews, 2013