Heritage

Implementation Planning Program

Purpose

This program supports the preparation of detailed plans to achieve priorities identified in a heritage strategic plan.

Program Guidelines

An implementation plan provides detailed guidance on how selected elements of the heritage strategy will be achieved.

It might address one or more of the following issues:

  • establishing a heritage conservation area
  • revising the Official Community Plan (OCP) or a zoning bylaw for heritage conservation purposes
  • developing a comprehensive regulatory and incentive program
  • developing a comprehensive program of tax relief
  • creating a stewardship program for heritage properties owned by a local government
  • preparing a community heritage interpretation plan

Funding

The Heritage Branch will invest up to 80% of the total eligible costs, to a maximum of $20,000 per project. Eligible project costs include consultant/professional fees and other related expenses incurred and paid for by the applicant. In-kind costs are not eligible.

Who can apply:

Local governments, First Nations bands and post-secondary institutions.

Applying to the Program

Eligible organizations must submit a letter of application that provides detailed information supporting the request for financial assistance. Submissions must indicate the program area of interest and the amount requested.

Explain Current Community Planning Context: Applicants must provide background information that responds to the criteria for the appropriate program area. For example, the application should address these issues:

  1. Community Planning: Does the community have a strategic plan for heritage or other related heritage planning documents? Does the Official Community Plan include any heritage policies? Has the local government established a community heritage commission?
  2. Community Benefit: What is the heritage legacy? Does the project improve planning, conservation or stewardship of significant community heritage resources? Does the project enhance community capacity (knowledge, skills, organization) and commitment to conserve heritage resources?
  3. Viability: Is the project well defined? Is the budget realistic? Does the project have the potential to attract investment from other parties? Do the proponents have the necessary expertise to implement the project successfully? How extensively are citizens engaged in heritage activities

Project Description: Projects must be described in detail, including a statement indicating what the project will achieve, who will benefit and the applicant’s ability to complete the project successfully. For example: Describe the process for public consultation and providing information to the public. Outline the deliverables resulting from the project. Include a time-line for the various stages of the project.

Financial Plan: All applicants must submit a detailed project budget, showing sources of confirmed funding and itemizing costs, which demonstrates the project is financially viable.

Eligible Costs: include all direct costs properly and reasonably incurred by an applicant specifically for the purpose of the project, including expenses such as consultant costs, professional fees, advertising costs, room rental costs etc.

Ineligible Costs:

  • In-kind costs or donated staff/volunteer time
  • Costs incurred prior to submitting an application
  • Start-up costs for new organizations/programs
  • Capital or maintenance expenses
  • Ongoing operational expenses
  • Debt reduction, endowments, charitable donations or fund-raising campaigns
  • Computer hardware and office equipment

Submitting: Proposals can be submitted at any time. However projects must be completed by the Province’s year end (March 31) of the same fiscal year in which the project was approved.

Determining the Level of Award: If the actual eligible project cost is less than the budgeted eligible cost, the award will be pro-rated to reflect the lower amount. If the actual project cost exceeds the budgeted eligible cost, the applicant will be responsible for the increased costs.

Award Payments: Awards are paid in accordance with the funding agreement between the Province and the successful applicant.

When the project is at the mid-way point, the applicant may request the first payment by sending a progress report, along with an interim project financial statement signed by the chief financial officer or treasurer. When the project is finished, the applicant may request the final payment by sending a final report.

The final report should include

  • A copy of the completed document or plan
  • A financial statement certified by the chief financial officer or treasurer outlining the costs incurred on the project
  • Confirmation that the plan has been presented to the local government/band council

NOTE: No funding will be provided for money spent on a project before an application is received.

For more information, please contact us.