The Regional District of Nanaimo says they are going to continue funding for community-level projects designed to monitor, restore or enhance regional watercourses.
In a media release, the district says applicants can still apply for up to $5,000 per project for up to three consecutive years to ensure the Stewardship Funding Program supports all projects in the area a piece of the $45,000 grant.
Projects eligible for funding must be led by a non-profit organization and involve community members, have permission and permits for the work to be carried out, and actively enhance or monitor stream, river, lake, estuary or wetland health.
Chair Vanessa Craig says so far community groups have shown a strong commitment in taking on these projects which are vital for the health of the environment.
“With every project, they are helping to protect, maintain, and restore our region’s watercourses and water bodies,” she says.
There is no deadline for funding applications, but the district says funding is on a first-come, first-serve basis or until the money runs out.
Funding is up from 2023 where the district says they provided $28,875 for the same program.
Since 2016 the RDN’s drinking water and watershed protection has supported 31 watershed projects which has led to $81,000 being granted to support watershed restoration projects across the region.
