Ever gone for lunch and returned with a million bucks? That’s what happened when Mark Halwa attended the Provincial Budget overview today with special guest, Premier Christy Clark. “All I can say is WOW!” – said a very surprised Mark Halwa at the Columbia Valley Chamber luncheon. “It has been an unbelievable week, we just received $500,000 last Friday from the Rural Dividend Fund elevating us to 60% funded, and with today’s announcement – we just rocketed past 80% to over $4,000,000 raised”!
Greenways is also excited to announce that construction commences next month. The actual start date naturally depends upon weather, but Greenways plans to begin moving dirt on Monday April 10th. “Today’s funding announcement will take the trail to the doorstep of segment six called Lakeview”, said Tess Bekkering, who keeps track of all the donations, and just couldn’t stop smiling.
“The many benefits trails bring to communities is something the BC Government is obviously serious about”, said Mark Halwa. “The new Destination Trail funding stream from the Rural Dividend Fund and the 33% funding increase this year from BikeBC shows our government would like to see residents spend more time outside, and on trails. What a great time to be involved with the Greenways Trails Alliance!”
Looking for a status update on the donation matching program launched in December 2015? $1,481,730 of private donations were received since Dec 1, 2015, and that number was fully matched today. For that, Greenways gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Province of British Columbia, and the generosity of private donors who have made almost 1,100 donations to the Westside Legacy Trail, many of them repeat donors.
Ever gone for lunch and returned with a million bucks? That’s what happened when Mark Halwa attended the Provincial Budget overview today with special guest, Premier Christy Clark.