Towns for Tomorrow

Improving local infrastructure has become easier for even more
communities as a result of the launch of the expanded Towns for
Tomorrow program.

Municipalities with populations up to 15,000 and regional districts
are now eligible for funding to develop and enhance local
infrastructure.

Now a five-year, $71-million program, Towns
for Tomorrow supports projects that address climate change and
contribute to the overall health, sustainability and livability of
communities.

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.

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.

With a new two-page application and 60-day turnaround, the
application process has been streamlined to ensure that the program
reaches as many communities as possible.

In addition, unlike traditional government infrastructure programs
that provide matching 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.

Visit our Community Gallery to see what recipients of Towns for Tomorrow funding are doing. For recent announcements, visit our What’s New page.

The application submission deadline for the third round of Towns for Tomorrow funding is January 16th, 2009. Successful
and unsuccessful applicants will be contacted within 60 days of this
date. Please note that all local governments, including regional
districts, may only submit one application per application deadline.