Support Nakusp businesses April 13 for this year’s $186K ReDi Grant program

It’s that time of year again when tens of thousands of dollars are on the table for local organizations and you can have a hand in choosing which ones receive the most support for their community-focused projects.

Resident Directed (ReDi) Grants support groups including non-profits, First Nations, schools and local governments with project proposals meant to enhance Bayview, Nakusp and other Area K communities in the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK).

As the City of Revelstoke defines the scope of these grants, “projects should benefit the broad community and public good and are evaluated on key community-based environmental and social goals, general project criteria and community support.”

A total $186,066 has been allocated by RDCK and the Columbia Basin Trust for the Bayview and Nakusp portion of Area K, out of a total $234,677 in ReDi Grant funding requests. Beyond Bayview and Nakusp, organizations elsewhere in Area K and around the Arrow Lakes are seeking support for unique enhancements, add-ons and new initiatives.

Arrow & Slocan Lakes Community Services is vying for $53,055 for its Nakusp food bank and breakfast program, and also seeking $17,792 for a medical bus.

The Nakusp Rotary Club has asked for $30,000 that would help bring outdoor fitness equipment into the third phase of work on its rotary park.

The Nakusp & Area Youth Society is requesting $27,273 to support the construction of its new green-door youth centre this summer.

The Nakusp Ski Club Association hopes for $26,472 to cover improvements to its ski lift and groomer at the Summit Lake Ski and Snowboard Area.

The Arrow Lakes Fine Arts Guild is asking for a combined $18,470 to fund five separate projects: new flooring, kitchen add-ons for its community art gallery, enhancements to its downstairs all-abilities washroom and regular upstairs washroom, and a utility sink for its workshop.

The Arrow Lakes Gymnastics Club hopes for $13,994 to cover supplemental program equipment.

The Arrow Park Community Association desires $13,720 to bolster emergency preparedness at the park.

The Arrow Lakes Caribou Society aims for $9,900 to help with lichen collection and educational events for its caribou maternity pen program.

The Arrow Lakes District Arts Council Society has requested $8,907 to fund its arts and culture events.

The BC Sailing Association seeks $6,500 for a mobile sailing program that runs on Upper Arrow Lake out of Nakusp.

The Nakusp & District Museum would like $4,517 to finance an interactive touch-screen monitor that gives visitors access to educational videos.

Finally, the Arrow Lakes Historical Society wants $1,621 so it can digitize and reprint local history books.

These applicants and more will have the chance to pitch their proposals directly to the Nakusp public Sunday afternoon, April 13. Each proposal is limited to a two-minute, oral-only presentation. No slideshows are allowed. Voting takes place after whenever the final presentation ends. Only those attending the in-person event may vote.

The full ReDi Grant proposal event happens from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Nakusp and District Community Complex.

Following voting this month, funding amounts for each proposal will be approved at RDCK’s May 16 board meeting. Organizations will receive their funding in June or July, and have until June 30, 2026, to complete their proposed projects.

To learn more about RDCK’s ReDi Grant program and this year’s applicants, visit rdck.ca/corporate-admini/administration/grants/redi.