Nanaimo’s First Watershed Grants Awarded
By Nikki Korde
October 16, 2023
The City of Nanaimo announced a $20,000 Watershed Community Restoration Grant at the end of 2022, available for individuals and group organizations looking to initiate environmentally focused projects within the region. This grant supports sustainable practices, conservation, and the preservation of natural surroundings.
David Stewart, an environmental planner for the City of Nanaimo, said the grant was “intended to support organizations…working on restorations within a water course. [It is] a way for the City to provide financial support for those projects.” Stewart says the grant is “open to individuals as well as community groups.”
The City Council unanimously approved the $20,000 Watershed Community Restoration Grant. “The city’s values are protecting our environment,” says Stewart.
The grant is open to a wide range of projects that protect and enhance local watersheds, including riverbanks, creeks, wetlands, and surrounding ecosystems.
In addition to protecting the city’s natural environment, the grant will help build resilience against climate change and promote biodiversity. Healthy watersheds play a critical role in preventing flooding, maintaining water quality, and preserving wildlife habitats.
Individuals and group organizations, including non-profits and community associations, were eligible to apply by outlining their proposed objectives, methods, budget, and anticipated outcomes.
Unfortunately, there were few applicants. “Only a little over $9000 was awarded,” says Stewart. The grant was repromoted and the deadline extended.
Pacific Gardens Cohousing Community based in Chase River were granted $7,400, said Chair Jim Senka. Senka said the money will be used to hire environmental biologists to evaluate the property surrounding the cohousing community and Chase River to determine the best ways to take care of it.
“There is a wetland specialist and two workers. They are going to come in and work on planting plants along the bank of the femoral pond to protect the native ecosystem,” Senka says. Senka emphasized the importance of protecting native wildlife from the destructive impact of urbanization.
On October 3 2023,, the City of Nanaimo launched a new Community Environmental Sustainability Project Grant, offering community groups who apply up to $5000 for projects that improve the environmental health of natural systems, enhance residents’ connections to nature, provide educational values, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and/or prepare the community for climate change impacts.
These might include a neighbourhood tree planting workshop or the use of thermal imaging cameras to educate homeowners about energy efficiency in homes.
Eligible community organizations, including environmental nonprofits, local stewardship groups, school groups, religious organizations, and participants in the Acting for Climate Together program, are encouraged to apply. A total of $20,000 in grant funds is available annually.
Nanaimo resident Heather Marshall, a writer, editor, and social justice activist, praised the latest initiative saying, “I I am really supportive of preservation of any kind of water area around Nanaimo. I think they should be putting more money into these kinds of projects. I think community and individual initiatives like this one are really important.”