Pemberton, BC – Applications are now being accepted by the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) for 2024 funding from the Pemberton and District Initiative Fund (PDIF).
Funded by the SLRD and the Village of Pemberton, the PDIF provides two streams of funding for community groups, and supports arts, culture and recreation and economic development in Pemberton and Electoral Area C of the SLRD.
The PDIF was established in 2020 as a means of assisting local, not-for-profit organizations offering programs that benefit the residents of the Village of Pemberton and Electoral Area C of the SLRD. The PDIF is administered by the Pemberton Valley Utilities and Services (PVUS) Committee, an SLRD committee comprised of elected and appointed officials of Electoral Area C and the Village of Pemberton. The PDIF budget is established annually by the PVUS Committee and approved by the SLRD Board of Directors. Subject to funding availability, applications are considered for approval by the SLRD Board of Directors based on recommendations from the PVUS Committee.
The PDIF provides funding to assist local not-for-profit organizations, entities or societies based within the Village of Pemberton and/ or Electoral Area C of the SLRD that are contributing to the community through the development, advancement, or support of initiatives that enhance the well-being of the residents in these areas. The PDIF utilizes two funding streams – one stream for Economic Development-type programming and one stream for Arts, Culture and Recreation-type programming. The amount available each year for new applications will vary, depending on the PDIF budget and how much of the annual funds have already been committed.
Within each of the two funding streams, there are multiple funding types available, including long-term, seed, and one-time funding.
In 2023, a new funding type for fee waivers has been made available. Under this funding type, eligible organizations can apply for assistance on a short-term basis to cover fee waivers or reduction in rental fees for facilities and services of the Pemberton and District Recreation Service (up to a maximum contribution of $1,500 per organization per year). Approval of applications for this funding type has been delegated to staff.
Applications for seed and long-term funding starting in 2024 must be submitted by the deadline date of October 15, 2023 at 4:00 pm.
Applications for one-time funding or fee waivers can be submitted at any time.
More information about the PDIF, including eligibility criteria and how to apply, is available on the SLRD website: www.slrd.bc.ca/pdif
From 2020 to 2023, more than $400,000 has been provided to various local community groups and organizations. To view the current list of recipients, visit: www.slrd.bc.ca/pdif
“The Pemberton and District Initiative Fund is a positive collaboration between the SLRD and the Village of Pemberton,” said SLRD Electoral Area C Director, Russell Mack. “Collectively, we are committed to providing programs that benefit our communities with lasting, positive impacts on the wellbeing of our residents,” he said. “I’m very proud of this work, and our relationship with the Village of Pemberton.”
“The PDIF has played an integral role in supporting Pemberton’s local community groups for the past three years by providing funding for a diverse range of economic development projects as well as initiatives in arts, culture, and recreation that directly benefit our community members,” said PVUS Committee Chair and Village of Pemberton Mayor, Mike Richman. “I am deeply appreciative of the ongoing collaborative relationship between the SLRD and the Village of Pemberton to ensure the PDIF remains a funding stream within our community, and I look forward to seeing the local initiatives that will grow through this program.”
- 30 -
About the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District
Located in southwestern BC, the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) is a local government federation consisting of four member municipalities (the District of Lillooet, the District of Squamish, the Village of Pemberton and the Resort Municipality of Whistler) and four unincorporated, rural electoral areas (A, B, C, and D). Headquartered in Pemberton, which is the approximate geographic centre of the region, the SLRD delivers a wide range of local, regional and sub-regional services to approximately 50,496 residents (2021 Census as certified by the Minister of Municipal Affairs).
The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District is found within the traditional territories of several First Nations, including the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), St'át'imc and Lil'wat. Small parts of the SLRD also overlap with the traditional territories of the Stó:lō, Tsleil-Waututh, Nlaka'pamux, Tsilhqot'in, and Secwepemc Nations. While the SLRD does not provide direct services to the residents of the First Nations communities located within the region, the organization is committed to enhancing relations with the Indigenous communities and First Nations within whose territories the SLRD operates.
About the Village of Pemberton
Incorporated in 1956, the Village of Pemberton spans approximately six square kilometres and is home to over 3400 residents and a vibrant business and agricultural community. Servicing as a municipal government, the Village of Pemberton is led by an elected Council and managed by an executive team responsible for various municipal services including, planning and development, park operations, recreation facilities and amenities, public utilities, bylaws and enforcement, fire rescue, emergency preparedness, fiscal planning and financial services, legislative services, human resources, communications, and the administration of the Pemberton’s Official Community Plan. Situated on the unceded traditional territory of the Líl̓wat Nation, Pemberton honours the language, culture and history of the Lil̓wat7ul.
Media Contacts:
Vanessa Murphy
Communications and Engagement Coordinator
Squamish-Lillooet Regional District
Telephone: (604) 894-6371 ext. 260
Email: vmurphy@slrd.bc.ca
Michelle Fernandes
Communications & Engagement Advisor
Village of Pemberton
Telephone: (604) 815-9672
Email: mfernandes@pemberton.ca