ECONOMIC RECOVERY INTAKE

As part of B.C.’s Economic Recovery Plan, the Connecting British Columbia program was granted $90 million to encourage rapid expansion of connectivity to drive regional economic development in rural areas, Indigenous communities and along B.C.’s highways. The new Economic Recovery Intake is a one-time commitment that will fund connectivity infrastructure projects that will quickly help realize the benefits of connectivity to British Columbians.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

In addition to the scheduled Phase Three quarterly intakes, the Connecting British Columbia Program had a short-term opening for funding applications that can be implemented immediately and completed by October 31, 2021 to expand connectivity in rural and Indigenous communities and along rural highway segments.

How is this funding different from the regular Connecting British Columbia program?

  • The funding objective is for a rapid response, and to enable service providers to immediately expand or enhance connectivity.
  • Program criteria changes such as increased funding ratios, expanded scope to include highway connectivity, and support for a wider range of eligible technologies.
  • Broadband projects that achieve 50/10 Mbps are preferred, however projects that deliver a minimum of 25/5 Mbps speed are also eligible for funding.

APPLICATION MATERIALS

*Please ensure documents are downloaded and saved to your computer desktop prior to entering any information. If opened and completed with your internet browser, any information entered will not be saved.

Application Guide FAQs PRE-SCREEN Application Form Application Form (view only) Template 1 – Project Plan Template 2 – Application Workbook CHANGE ORDER REQUEST
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MAPS

Community Information (PDF) Highway Cellular Gaps (PDF) Rest Areas and Inland Ferries Locations (PDF) Community Information (KMZ) Highway Information (KMZ)
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Resources

For provincial permitting requests, the Province has established a single point of contact based at the Prince George FrontCounter Office. The team at the Prince George FrontCounter will be coordinating permitting requests for approved Economic Recovery Intake projects across the province. Please include Northern Development’s project number with your documentation when you approach Prince George FronterCounter BC Office. Please refer to the webinar presentation posted below for permitting contact information. Also included below is a guide to consulting with First Nations.

Project Permitting Coordination Webinar Presentation GUIDE TO INVOLVING PROPONENTS WHEN CONSULTING FIRST NATIONS Expedited Permitting Tip Sheet
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REPORTING MATERIALS

*Please ensure documents are downloaded and saved to your computer desktop prior to entering any information. If opened and completed with your internet browser, any information entered will not be saved.

Quarterly Report Workbook Reporting Form Expenses Claim Form Post-Project Declaration Form
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APPLICATION DEADLINES

The Economic Recovery Intake is now closed.

APPLY FOR FUNDING

Please review all program documents in detail as incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

Complete application forms with all required attachments should be provided electronically to Northern Development by email.

connectingbc@northerndevelopment.bc.ca

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CONTACT US

If you’d like to discuss your project in further detail with Northern Development staff, please contact us by email, phone, or filling out the form below. Also, we encourage you to reach out to us if you think you are eligible for funding for categories that are not specified here.

*REQUIRED FIELDS