Local Conservation Funds
An innovative way to collectively support regional conservation.
Photo credit: Joel Pelletier
What is a Local Conservation Fund?
A Local Conservation Fund is a local government service funded through a dedicated tax and used to support local conservation projects that reflect local priorities, such as:
Local Conservation Funds
We work in partnership with local governments to deliver Local Conservation Funds in the upper Columbia Valley subregion of the Regional District of East Kootenay and in the Kootenay Lake and Slocan Valley areas of the the Regional District of Central Kootenay.
Between 2010 and 2023…
Photo credit : Steve Ogle
Healthy Communities
A healthy community relies on a healthy local environment.
Local Conservation Funds are a way for communities to address local conservation issues residents know are important, and is a tangible investment in clean air, safe water and natural areas—for future generations to enjoy.
Local Conservation Funds support projects that address the health of natural ecosystems and wild spaces, which in turn supports healthy communities.
Economic Benefits
Not only nature benefits from a Local Conservation Fund.
For every dollar acquired by tax, Local Conservation Funds leverage at least 4:1, and up to 9:1 additional dollars that support local communities.
Funds are spent locally, which creates added economic benefit through the purchase of materials and supplies, and generates work for a broad range of contractors and businesses.
As well, broader granting programs look more favourably on projects with a local funding contribution.
Photo credit: Joel Pelletier
How To Apply
Projects must take place within a Local Conservation Fund Service Area.
To learn more about the application process for existing service areas, select the region where the project is happening:
The First in Canada
The first Local Conservation Fund ever established in Canada started right in our backyard, in the Columbia Valley.
The Columbia Valley Local Conservation Fund has been used as a model of success for the West Kootenay, South Okanagan, North Okanagan, and is currently being explored elsewhere.
