The Peace region in northeast B.C. is a hotbed of industrial activity, with a large fracking industry, multiple pipeline projects, coal mines, extensive forestry, and road-building. Unfortunately, our industrial activities have a combined effect on habitats, sometimes creating disastrous results for communities and wildlife alike.

In 2016, we received an application from the Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative to pilot test an innovative type of land use planning for the Peace region’s Murray River watershed—led by First Nations—that provides a voice for the community members. Our Community Advisors agreed this was a good idea.

Donors like you made possible a $55K grant to create a framework that provides guidance for regional land-use that is rooted in First Nations’ Treaty rights and protects the environmental, cultural, and economic health of the region.

Over the past five years, the Community Impact Fund has provided top-up funding to all of our focus areas when and where support is needed. It has also supported Vancouver Foundation led initiatives like Neighbourhood Small Grants, LEVEL and Fresh Voices.