DAWSON CREEK, B.C. - The B.C. government is offering up to $75,000 in funding to support rural and remote shuttle services across northern communities, with the province specifically highlighting the Dawson Creek-Grande Prairie corridor as an example of an eligible route.
Applications are now open for the Northern Community Shuttle Program, which provides operating funding to public passenger shuttle services in central and northern B.C.
The program is intended to help operators cover expenses such as fuel, wages, insurance and vehicle maintenance.
“Affordable and dependable transportation is fundamental to building stronger, more connected communities,” said B.C. Transportation and Transit Minister Mike Farnworth.
The announcement may resonate with residents in the Peace Region, where passenger transportation options have become more limited in recent years.
“The Northern Community Shuttle Program provides practical support to shuttle operators who are delivering essential services across central and northern B.C. By investing in these transportation networks, we are helping ensure people can access employment, health care, education and other important services, regardless of where they live,” added Farnworth
While the province cited routes between Dawson Creek and Grande Prairie as an example of the type of connection eligible for funding, there is currently no passenger shuttle service operating between Fort St. John, Dawson Creek and Grande Prairie, after the route was discontinued in May 2025.
The funding program is administered by Northern Development and will provide grants covering up to 80 per cent of eligible operating costs, an increase from previous years.
“Opening up the Northern Community Shuttle Program to allow operators to access a $75,000 grant is an excellent opportunity to support organizations who are providing vital connections throughout the North,” said Northern Development CEO Ben Campbell.
To qualify, applicants must already operate a public passenger shuttle service. The program does not fund capital purchases such as new vehicles or accessibility upgrades.
Applications will be accepted until September 16, with funding decisions expected in November.
CJDC TV News reached out to Cold Shot Bus Services who previously operated the Fort St. John-Dawson Creek-Grande Prairie route to ask whether the new funding opportunity could help revive service on the corridor. A response was not received by publication time.