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By Liam Verster

No Qualified Applicants

ReTHINK Waste program unlikely to support new projects

Jan 19, 2026 | 10:34 AM

The program that supports innovative projects that contribute to waste reduction will likely not be supporting any local projects in 2026.

A Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) staff report said “there were no qualifying applications” for the 2026 ReTHINK Waste Grant program.

The report stated two applications were submitted, requesting a combined $28,850 in funding, though these projects were not suitable to support through the program.

The first proposed project was the creation of a children’s book focused on sustainable agriculture. The RDNO said the “subject matter was considered to be outside the scope of the ReTHINK Waste Grant.”

The other applicant was seeking support for a multi segmented project to increase awareness and development of a circular economy with events, a green business certification process and regional assessment report. The RDNO said this project “did not meet the minimum required score for funding per the Grant Evaluation Rubric.”

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The matter will be brought before the RDNO Board of Directors at their meeting Wednesday, Jan. 21, where it was recommended that the program not award any funds for the year.