More than $1 million is now on its way to local community groups thanks to the Columbia Basin Trust.

The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) approved the funding through the Community Initiatives and Affected Areas Program. In this program, Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) lets local governments choose who receives the funding.

"We approved a total of $1,060,348.50 this year," said RDEK Board Chair Scott Manjak. "Once again, a diverse range of projects will be supported including everything from education and outreach projects to arts, environmental and heritage initiatives, youth and recreation programs."

After considering public input and recommendations from the municipalities and Electoral Area Directors, the Board approved funding 139 projects in the region, from Radium to Cranbrook to Elkford.

In Cranbrook, three large projects received hefty support.

The proposed East Kootenay Homeless Shelter received $71,243.55 in funding. Administered by the Cranbrook and District Community Foundation, construction of the shelter is scheduled to begin in the fall. The 52-bed shelter will be located behind the Salvation Army.

The Rotary Club of Cranbrook was given $60,000 to continue Rotary Way from downtown to the railway museum.

And Junior Chamber International (JCI) Kootenay was awarded $35,000 to build a playground at Moir Park. This grant is the final contribution needed to build the park: the project has also received donations from Investors Group and East Kootenay Community Credit Union.

JCI member Elizabeth Ahlgren said the goal is to build the rocks and ropes playground in September.

"We are thrilled with CBT's second donation to this project which will make it a reality," said Ahlgren. "JCI Kootenay decided almost two years ago to dedicate our fundraising to a playground project at Moir Park. Being a group of young leaders in the community, a number of our members have young children. We have a mixed slo-pitch team that often plays at Moir Park and also hold our Sam Steele Ball, Bocce and Musicfest there. It was clear to our members that something for the children was needed at Moir Park."

In Kimberley, the Nordic Club was given $9,800 for a storage and maintenance building, the Soccer Association has $6,700 to purchase equipment for its Achieving Goals project, and Kimberley Minor Ball was granted $6,600 to revitalize Coronation Ball Park.