Pemberton and District Initiative Fund (PDIF) is now accepting applications through a new streamlined process

Application deadline for new long-term funding is October 15, 2025, at 4:00 p.m.

Pemberton, BC – The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) is now accepting applications for 2026 funding through the Pemberton and District Initiative Fund (PDIF). After a policy update, adopted by the Board in July 2025, the application process has been streamlined to make it easier for eligible local community organizations to apply.

The updated policy shortens application forms for one-time and fee waiver requests, simplifies reporting requirements, and has been reformatted into a more accessible, user-friendly document. Funding limits have also been increased, with one-time funding now being up to $7,000 and long-term funding now being up to $15,000 per year.

Jointly funded by the SLRD and the Village of Pemberton, the PDIF provides financial support through two streams: Economic Development and Arts, Culture and Recreation. Funding is available to not-for-profit organizations operating within Pemberton and Electoral Area C of the SLRD. Established in 2019, the PDIF program has contributed over $818,000 to support economic development, arts, culture, and recreation projects that enhance community life in Pemberton and Electoral Area C.

The PDIF is administered by the Pemberton Valley Utilities and Services (PVUS) Committee, which is comprised of elected officials from the Village of Pemberton and Electoral Area C. Each year, the PDIF budget is developed and recommended by the PVUS Committee and ratified by the SLRD Board. Funding decisions are based on recommendations from the PVUS Committee and are subject to budget availability.

Applications for new long-term funding agreements starting in 2026 must be submitted by October 15, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. and are subject to the availability of funds. Applications for one-time funding and fee waivers can be submitted at any time and are subject to the availability of funds. For detailed information about eligibility criteria and the application process, please visit the SLRD PDIF Application.

“The PDIF has become a vital tool for enhancing community wellbeing in Pemberton and Electoral Area C,” said SLRD Board Chair Jen Ford. “With the recent policy updates, the program is easier to access, while continuing to reflect the strong partnership between the SLRD and the Village of Pemberton. Together, we are ensuring this fund remains a meaningful and impactful way to support local organizations and the important work they do.”

“The PDIF continues to play an important role in supporting the work of local groups that make Pemberton a vibrant and connected community,” said PVUS Committee Chair and Village of Pemberton Mayor, Mike Richman. “The updated policy makes it easier to apply for funding, while ensuring the program remains sustainable for years to come.”

About the Village of Pemberton www.pemberton.ca

Incorporated in 1956, the Village of Pemberton spans approximately six square kilometres and is home to over 3400 residents and a vibrant business and agricultural community. Servicing as a municipal government, the Village of Pemberton is led by an elected Council and managed by an executive team responsible for various municipal services including, planning and development, park operations, recreation facilities and amenities, public utilities, bylaws and enforcement, fire rescue, emergency preparedness, fiscal planning and financial services, legislative services, human resources, communications, and the administration of the Pemberton’s Official Community Plan. Situated on the unceded traditional territory of the Líl̓wat Nation, Pemberton honours the language, culture and history of the Lil̓wat7ul.

About the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District

Located in southwestern BC, the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) is a local government federation consisting of four member municipalities (the District of Lillooet, the District of Squamish, the Village of Pemberton and the Resort Municipality of Whistler) and four unincorporated, rural electoral areas (A, B, C, and D). Headquartered in Pemberton, which is the approximate geographic centre of the region, the SLRD delivers a wide range of local, regional and sub-regional services to approximately 50,496 residents (2021 Census as certified by the Minister of Municipal Affairs).

The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District is found within the traditional territories of several First Nations, including the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), St'át'imc and Líl̓wat. Small parts of the SLRD also overlap with the traditional territories of the Stó:lō, Tsleil-Waututh, Nlaka'pamux, Tsilhqot'in, and Secwepemc Nations. While the SLRD does not provide direct services to the residents of the First Nations communities located within the region, the organization is committed to enhancing relations with the Indigenous communities and First Nations within whose territories the SLRD operates.