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By Pete McIntyre

New service supports economic development

Feb 13, 2020 | 3:51 PM

The Regional District of North Okanagan has started a new program to support economic activities in rural areas.

The local government will provide grants to organizations that support the goal of economic development focusing on all economic sectors with additional points in the fields of agriculture, tourism, technology/manufacturing, forestry and creative industry.

About 30 per cent of the funds will be directed toward economic development projects led by RDNO.

The first grant recipients are the Sovereign Lake Nordic Club to host the upcoming 2020 National Championships, and the Okanagan Film Commission.

“At the heart of a thriving community is a stable economic base that provides opportunities and allows residents to enjoy the beautiful part of the world we live in,” Amanda Shatzko, RDNO vice-chair, said. “That’s why we are happy to have established this new service to support our rural residents and businesses in the electoral areas.”

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Other projects that are consistent with the Regional Agricultural Plan or the Regional Employment Lands Action Plan will also be awarded additional points.

The application period is now open, so organizations and groups are encouraged to review the fund criteria and eligibility requirements and submit a grant application by March 31, 2020.

Further information and application forms are available at www.rdno.ca.

by Pete McIntyre
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