Overview | Impacted Areas | Participating CF's | FAQ
The Community Economic Diversification Initiative (CEDI) is a key component of the federal Mountain Pine Beetle Program. It is a two-year federal contribution program aimed at helping to diversify the economic foundation and contribute to their long-term stability of forest-dependent communities and First Nations.
Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) is delivering the initiative on behalf of the federal government. Working with community leaders and other key stakeholders, the Department will invest over $33 million in projects that support economic growth, job creation and future sustainability of communities adversely affected by the widespread beetle infestation.
Launched in January 2007, the CEDI program is part of the Government of Canada's $200 million response to the mountain pine beetle outbreak.
All projects funded under the Community Economic Diversification Initiative must be completed by March 31, 2010.
The deadline for submitting Expressions of Interest for program funding has passed. More than 500 Expressions of Interest were received by WD. These Expressions of Interest were ranked, with the highest ranking proposals invited to the next stage of proposal development.
Currently, the Department is completing work with proponents to develop final, full project proposals. These proposals will be considered for funding through the Department's regular project approval process, which may or may not lead to final project approval.
Not-for-profit* organizations dedicated to helping diversify the economic foundation of forest-dependent communities and contributing to their long-term could submit Expressions of Interest for funding by October 19, 2007. These organizations included:
* Small- and medium-sized businesses and for-profit co-operatives may be eligible for funding on a fully repayable basis for innovative forest and value-added wood projects.
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Zone 1 |
Zone 2 |
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Merritt |
100 Mile House |
The adjacent map highlights the Timber Supply Areas (TSAs) affected by the mountain pine beetle. To be considered for funding, projects had to serve one or more of the communities and First Nations within Zone 1 and/or Zone 2.
Based on recommendations from an advisory board of forestry and community leaders in British Columbia (BC), WD will direct a minimum of 70 per cent of available funds to projects that serve communities and First Nations that are at the most immediate (i.e. first affected) risk from the pine beetle infestation. These first affected communities and First Nations are located within Zone 2.
In order to further prioritize communities at the most immediate risk, WD used the following biological and socio-economic measures:
The above biological and socio-economic indicators were not available for all communities in BC. Where necessary, WD made the best efforts to use alternative sources of data.
To be considered, projects were expected to link to one or more of the four broad program areas. Within these areas, WD considered a wide range of projects. These program areas included:
Note that stand-alone, municipal, civic, social service or quality of life infrastructure projects were not eligible for funding.
Western Economic Diversification Canada reviewed each Expression of Interest and ranked it against assessment criteria. The highest ranking proposals were invited to the full proposal stage of development. The following was used to rank Expressions of Interest:
Assessment criteria
Additional assessment points were given to projects that met the following:
Other considerations included:
In working closely with the Community Futures offices in BC and other key partners, WD is dedicated to delivering a successful Mountain Pine Beetle Community Economic Diversification Initiative that will support long-term stability in BC's forest-dependent communities. Some of our expected outcomes are:
For additional information and inquires contact the WD regional office nearest you, or by:
Telephone: 1 888 338-WEST (9378)
Email: cedi@wd-deo.gc.ca
To review other Western Economic Diversification Canada funding programs available to assist community economic diversification, please visit: WD Programs.
For more information on the federal Mountain Pine Beetle program, visit the Natural Resources Canada website.