Victoria, BC– The Capital Regional District (CRD) has released its annual summary of grant funding delivered across the Juan de Fuca, Salt Spring Island, and Southern Gulf Islands Electoral Areas. These funding programs support a range of local initiatives, including community infrastructure, planning, recreation, arts and culture, and small‑scale community projects.
In 2025, the CRD administered more than $1.1 million in funding across the three Electoral Areas through two primary programs: the Community Works Fund (CWF), delivered under the federal Canada Community‑Building Fund, and the Electoral Areas Grants‑in‑Aid (GIA).
“Improving public spaces, ensuring local organizations have the capacity to provide community programs, and helping local governments plan ahead all contribute to healthier, more connected communities,” said Christine Boyle, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. “Our government will continue to support regional districts in working with communities and local organizations, so infrastructure and services can move forward in ways that reflect residents’ priorities and improve daily lives.”
The Community Works Fund provides annual funding to the CRD to support local infrastructure and capacity-building projects. In 2025, it supported 18 projects, totaling $1,013,646. Some examples of projects which received funding last year include:
- construction of the Schooner Way School Trail on Pender Island;
- dock renewal on Salt Spring Island; and
- the Juan de Fuca Official Community Plan Consolidation Project.
The Grants‑in‑Aid program supported 54 community projects, distributing $183,452 to local non‑profit organizations for special initiatives, events, community programming, youth activities, food security efforts, and small capital improvements. These grants help organizations deliver services and activities that are not otherwise funded through requisition.
“The 2025 grants supported projects that reflect both community priorities and long‑term infrastructure needs,” said Paul Brent, Electoral Area Director for the Southern Gulf Islands and Chair of the Electoral Areas Committee. “These programs contribute to community well‑being, support local service delivery, and strengthen the capacity of organizations across the region.”
The CRD also administers the Arts and Culture Support Service for participating areas. In 2025, the Southern Gulf Islands Electoral Area received $74,500 to support local arts programming and cultural activities.
Detailed reports and project lists for 2025 are available online:
- 2025 Community Works Fund Annual Report [PDF/175KB]
- 2025 Community Works Fund Grants Awarded [PDF/124KB]
- 2025 Electoral Areas Grants‑in‑Aid Annual Report
- 2025 Grants‑in‑Aid Awarded
- 2025 Arts and Culture Support Service Grants Awarded
For more information on federal infrastructure funding, visit: www.infrastructure.gc.ca.
The CRD delivers regional, sub-regional and local services to 13 municipalities and three electoral areas on southern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Governed by a 24-member Board of Directors, the CRD works collaboratively with First Nations and government partners to enable sustainable growth, foster community well-being, and develop cost-effective infrastructure while continuing to provide core services to residents throughout the region. Visit us online at www.crd.ca.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Andy Orr, Senior Manager
CRD Corporate Communications & Engagement
Tel: 250.360.3229
Cell: 250.216.5492
