Community Futures office in Vernon (Vernon Matters file photo)

By Liam Verster

PacificCan Funding

Federal funds likely to support local Community Futures operations

May 13, 2024 | 6:00 AM

The federal government has provided financial aid to the Community Futures British Columbia, and the local branch is getting a portion of the funds.

Through the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacificCan), $3.9-million in federal funds was provided to Community Futures British Columbia, which has 34 branches throughout the province including the North Okanagan.

“There’s been no funding increase in Community Futures contracts for 18 years,” Leigha Horsefield, Executive Director of Community Futures North Okanagan (CFNO), told Vernon Matters.

“So I think the funding was a recognition of that, and the funding was sent not to the individual Community Futures offices, but to the provincial association.”

The CFNO executive director said of that $3.9-million, the local branch received $50,000, though noted the board of directors had not made any specific decisions on how to spend it outside of simply to boost operations.

Possible firearm involved

One person apprehended in connection with suspicious activity in Coldstream

Dec 13, 2025

Fatal Collision, Highway Closed

One person dead in crash near Revelstoke

Dec 13, 2025

Salaries

Vernon Council to discuss lesser pay increases

Dec 12, 2025

Community Futures is an economic development organization that supports workforce development, entrepreneur supports, business retention and expansion, economic projects in their communities, including Vernon and Lumby.