The Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako (RDBN) discussed a draft budget proposal for the Northwest BC Resource Benefits Alliance (RBA) funding at their Dec. 12 board meeting, as the District looks to finalize and release their full 2025 budget by the end of next month.
The RDBN received a total of $14,426,166 as part of the RBA agreement that sees more than $250 million allocated throughout 21 Northwest communities. The funds are to be used over a five-year time period.
Each year, RDBN staff build a funding allocation proposal into the annual budget that utilizes the RBA funding according to the guidelines outlined by the province. The proposal allocates some costs upfront to address certain aspects that are eligible under the agreement, such as First Nations liaison/outreach and asset management. The proposal also highlights recommendations on operational costs, up to a maximum of 15 per cent, with the remaining amount divided between existing capital costs already in the current budget and a pooled allocation for other projects.
As per the eligible categories in the agreement, the other projects will be geared towards an internal project application project which will prioritize rural and First Nations collaboration projects. The RDBN has estimated that at a minimum, close to $6 million-worth of projects will be used in the pooled allocation, as approved by the board.
The pooled allocation will be closely monitored to make sure the funds are utilized and expended in a timely fashion, and the amounts allocated between the pooled projects and annual capital expenditures will be adjusted each year based in the board's priorities.
Last year, the RDBN allocated $446,398 and $312,618 on Knockholt Landfill and Vanderhoof Transfer Station respectively, bringing the opening 2024 balance of $2,885,233 down to $2,126,217. The remaining balance will be allocated into this year's opening balance, which is the same as last year's, bringing the total to $5,011,450 for 2025.
This year's expenses will include:
- $108,919 for Water Tender (Area F)
- $108,919 for Water Tender (Area E)
- $152,000 for First Nations Liaison/Outreach
- $76,256 for Asset Management 鈥� Temporary Position
- 2025 Capital Allocation of $2,245,178
- 2025 Project Pool Allocation of $2,245,178
The RDBN is in the final stages of completing the RBA budget as well as their full 2025 budget.
"The budget is still in progress," said Cheryl Anderson, director of corporate services. "The RDBN must adopt its budget by the end of March."
