Columbia Basin Trust Reports $76.1 Million in Community Benefits

The Columbia Basin Trust has released its Annual Service Plan Report for the 2024/25 fiscal year, highlighting a significant achievement of delivering $76.1 million in direct benefits to communities in the Basin. This funding supported over 2,670 projects across various sectors, reflecting the Trust’s commitment to enhancing the region’s social, economic, and environmental well-being.

In total, the Trust generated $101 million in revenues from diverse investments, including hydropower and commercial real estate. The financial breakdown indicates that the Trust allocated $58.1 million in grants and initiatives, $7.1 million in commercial real estate investments, $6.5 million in new business loans, and $4.4 million in capital investments.

The Trust’s revenues primarily stem from its partnership with Columbia Power Corporation, which operates four hydropower facilities. In particular, the Brilliant and Waneta facilities performed strongly in 2024/25, counterbalancing a decline in revenues from the Arrow Lakes Generating Station, which was temporarily offline for turbine repairs. The Trust benefited from insurance recoveries during this period, ensuring the facility is now operational again.

As the Trust marks its 30th anniversary, President and CEO Johnny Strilaeff expressed pride in the organization’s achievements. “Even as we navigated challenges with Arrow Lakes Generating Station, we were able to deliver $76.1 million in direct benefits to Basin residents through 2,670 projects,” Strilaeff stated. He emphasized the collaborative efforts of communities, First Nations, non-profits, and businesses that made these accomplishments possible.

Residents are encouraged to engage with the Trust and learn more about the past year’s outcomes at the upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM) on September 11, 2024. The meeting will take place at 1 p.m. MT in Radium Hot Springs, and individuals can participate either online via Zoom or in person at the Radium Hot Springs Centre located at 4863 Stanley Street. Following the AGM, a free community BBQ is scheduled from 4 to 7 p.m. MT, providing an opportunity for residents to connect with Trust Board members.

For further details on the AGM and BBQ, residents can visit ourtrust.org/agm. The complete Annual Service Plan Report is available at ourtrust.org/annualreport. The Columbia Basin Trust remains dedicated to supporting the people of the Columbia Basin, fostering a vibrant and resilient community for years to come. For more information about the Trust’s programs and initiatives, interested individuals can call 1-800-505-8998 or explore the website.