A new critical-metals hub is being established in the Kootenays, focused on supporting local businesses and creating jobs thanks to provincial funding.
Through the Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program, the Province is providing $300,300 to the Lower Columbia Community Development Team Society in Trail for its Advancing Critical Metal Tech Alley initiative.
“Critical metals are essential to the clean economy and B.C. is well positioned to be a leader in this growing sector,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth.
“This investment will help create good-paying jobs, support innovation and strengthen local communities for years to come.”
This initiative was designed to:
- attract investment
- support businesses to find new ways to grow and create jobs
- expand the region’s production of high-value critical-metals products
The critical-metals hub will focus on finding new ways to help companies:
- recover critical metals from recycled materials and process them
- expand promising technologies
- bring new products to market
The initiative will bring together industry partners to conduct research, provide training to help businesses attract investment and promote opportunities in the region to potential investors.
“This investment is a significant vote of confidence in our region and our role in Canada’s critical-minerals future,” said Cam Whitehead, executive director, Lower Columbia Community Development Team Society.
“The Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program funding will help us strengthen regional collaboration, attract new investment, support business growth and create high-value economic opportunities that will benefit communities throughout the Kootenays and beyond.”
The initiative supports clean economic growth by exploring opportunities to produce more value-added critical metals from recycled materials.
The province says these efforts will help strengthen the Kootenay region as a centre for critical-metals innovation, attract investment, support businesses and create jobs, while advancing clean economic growth.
“The Kootenays have a long history of innovation in the metals sector and this initiative will help build on that strength,” said Steve Morissette, MLA for Kootenay-Monashee.
“By supporting innovation, attracting investment and helping local businesses grow, the funding will strengthen the regional economy and help create good jobs close to home.”
Since 2022, the Province has invested $156.5 million through the program, supporting 525 projects throughout B.C., creating an estimated 7,500 jobs in rural communities.
To learn more about the Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program, click here.
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