The Columbia Basin Trust has just released its 2013/2014 Annual Report, which not only details its finances but reflects its efforts to better include the people of the Basin in planning for the future.
“The report’s theme, Connect, reflects the Trust’s ongoing efforts to include the people of the Basin in planning for the future.,” says a statement from the CBT. “For example, the organization connected with Basin residents and sector representatives to shape new strategic plans for its social, environmental and community initiatives efforts. It also hosted the Columbia Basin Symposium in Creston in October 2013, which brought Basin residents together. Plus in early 2014 it launched a new visual identity—an updated way of conveying what the Trust does and stands for—which was a result of extensive engagement that started in 2011.”
CBT Chairman Greg Deck said in the statement that the organization wants to ensure residents understand it is “considering their input as we make decisions and set priorities.”
“One of the Trust’s key principles is engagement, and we will carry on seeking public input to ensure our future operations continue to support the well-being of Basin residents,” he said in the statement that was released on Tuesday, July 15.
In 2013/14 the Trust delivered $22 million in new funding benefits to the region—$2.7 million more than in 2012/13. Total revenues were $29.4 million, an increase of $3.7 million over the previous year; much of this increase was due to strong performance by the Trust’s power project investments.
“The ongoing strength of our investments means we’re well positioned to continue supporting projects and initiatives that address community needs,” CBT President and CEO Neil Muth said in the statement. “We look forward to engaging with the public to see what shape this support might take in coming years.”
Annual report highlights
In 2013/14 the Trust delivered $22 million in new funding benefits to the region — $2.7 million more than the previous year—including through the following initiatives:
| Community Initiatives | $7,783,000 |
| Economic Initiatives | $6,830,000 |
| Water and Environment Initiatives | $3,590,000 |
| Social Initiatives | $1,674,000 |
| Youth Initiatives | $660,000 |
Over the course of the year, the Trust:
- Approved the Columbia Basin Broadband Corporation business plan and a five-year, $6.5-million funding commitment;
- Committed to four additional regions with the Community-Directed Funds program, which provides funds to communities and lets them make their own decisions on how to allocate those funds;
- Helped the Nature Conservancy of Canada and the Nature Trust of BC acquire environmentally significant lands;
- Provided $500,000 to the Columbia Basin Water Smart Initiative to continue to help communities reduce Basin-wide water use by 20 per cent by 2015;
- Committed $1 million to Selkirk College to upgrade and enhance its Silver King trades campus in Nelson;
- Committed $275,000 over three years to the Invest Kootenay Partnership to help communities attract, retain and expand investment;
- Committed nearly $2 million over three years to the Basin Business Advisors program to continue to build economic capacity in Basin communities; and
- Continued to support residents’ efforts to improve well-being in their communities through granting programs like the Environmental Initiatives Program ($750,000), Social Grants Program ($1.5 million), youth programs ($240,000) and Community Development Program ($2.4 million).
The annual report is posted online at cbt.org/annualreport.
Columbia Basin Trust supports efforts to deliver social, economic and environmental benefits to the residents of the Columbia Basin. To learn more about the Trust’s programs and initiatives, visit cbt.org or call 1-800-505-8998.
