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Briefly: April 4, 2014

Funds available Grant writers need to have their pens at the ready as two opportunities are available to apply for funds.

Funds available

Grant writers need to have their pens at the ready as two opportunities are available to apply for funds.

Island Coastal Economic Trust (ICET) announced, in a press release, the availability of up to $400,000 funding for infrastructure projects “that help diversify local economies.”

The funds are available to non-profits, local governments and first nations.

“We want this money working in our communities, and I know there are great projects out there looking for a funding partner,” said Phil Kent, ICET chair. “If your project will help strengthen the economy in your community, you should take a look at ICET’s programs to see if we’re a fit.”

The money is available as matching funds, and projects of interest to ICET provide incremental or direct economic development and diversification impacts, consistent with local development plans, and lead toward long-term sustainability for the region.

ICET was established in 2006 by the province to help diversify the economies of central and northern Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast through its $50-million endowment fund.

More information on how to apply for funds is available online. Deadline for applications is April 18.

The second opportunity will be of interest to parent advisory councils (PACs) and district advisory councils (DPACs).

Funding is available through the ministry of community, sport and cultural development in the form of community gaming grants to support kindergarten to grade 12 students in school-based extracurricular activities.

Last year over $11.7 million was distributed for sports, arts, educational camps, class trips, playground equipment, scholarships and bursaries, states the ministry’s press release. Travel and accommodation for sporting activities as well as equipment and field rental costs have also been supported in the past.

Applications must be submitted by a PAC or DPAC and more information and application guidelines are available online. Deadline for applications is June 30.


Earth hour results

Many residents across Powell River turned their lights out for an hour Saturday, March 29. In so doing, they reduced hydro consumption by 2.5 per cent.

The global event, hosted by World Wildlife Fund, encourages people to turn off unnecessary lights and electronics to demonstrate support for climate change reduction efforts. BC Hydro announced the results of provincial efforts in a media release. Powell River scored above the provincial average of one per cent reduction in overall electricity load. Even just one per cent reduction was the equivalent of turning off about 1.4 million lights.

Whistler saved the most hydro with six per cent, and Abbotsford saved the least at only 0.1 per cent.

The annual event has been running since 2008. That first year, BC reduced its electricity load for the one hour by two per cent.