VANCOUVER — Premier Christy Clark has announced millions of dollars in funding for projects ranging from crime and forest-fire prevention to jumpstarting rural economies.
She says a boost of up to $10 million for a fund aimed at helping communities prevent wildfires brings the total to $78 million since 2004.
Clark made several announcements to a packed room of municipal politicians from across the province at the annual Union of B.C. Municipalities convention.
She touted a new $5 million investment to target prolific, violent and gang-affiliated offenders and address the roots of crime through education and outreach.
Clark also said more than 70 communities would benefit from a new program to expand high-speed Internet access in rural and remote areas.
The premier received a standing ovation after announcing $75-million investment to help reinvigorate the economies of rural communities with a population under 25,000 people.