CBT Marks 15th anniversary
By Contributor
Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) marks two milestones this year; a 15 year anniversary combined with a $15 million Delivery of Benefits budget.
“It’s hard to believe it has been 15 years since myself and other founding board members were present in the BC Legislature signing the CBT Act; the organization has done a lot of growing since that day,” said Garry Merkel, CBT Board Chair. “Over the years we have found that CBT can play a variety of roles to support communities in translating their priorities into action, and building a legacy in this region.”
This year, the Delivery of Benefits budget has been increased by 25 per cent over last year, providing $15 million in direct funding support to community projects and regional initiatives for this fiscal year.
“Our Investment Program continues to deliver predictable and increasing returns that allow CBT to support the efforts of Basin residents more
than ever before in strengthening the social, economic and environmental well-being of the Basin,” said Neil Muth, CBT President and CEO. “By working closely with communities and with our partners, we hope residents see their priorities reflected in our range of programs and initiatives, and in the hundreds of local projects.”
Over the past 15 years CBT has been bringing people, groups, communities and governments together, encouraging collaboration and partnerships to create a lasting legacy in the Basin.
“CBT works with communities in an ongoing dialogue to understand priorities and to ensure that together we are meeting their needs and being responsive to opportunities,” said Merkel. “As we move forward we will continue to engage residents so that our values are aligned with the people of this region – our neighbours, friends, families.”
CBT will continue to take tangible action to address priority issues identified by residents and communities, in areas like economic initiatives, water conservation, climate change, youth engagement, and affordable housing, and by acting as a facilitator, a partner, an information resource, and a funder. View all of CBT’s programs online at www.cbt.org/programs and learn more about our initiatives at www.cbt.org/initiatives.
This year, CBT is renewing its Columbia Basin Management Plan Strategic Priorities (2011-2015), which Basin residents will have an opportunity
to review and provide input on in the coming months. Watch CBT’s website for details.
Also, this year CBT is hosting a Basin Symposium in Revelstoke on October 22-24, so mark your calendar and watch CBT’s website for registration details.
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