Afternoon News Update for May 12 2020

Canada's poorest seniors will be getting a boost to their pensions, with a one-time payment of up to $500. The payment is to help offset extra costs due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Those receiving federal Old Age Security will receive an extra $300, and those receiving the Guaranteed Income Supplement will get a further $200. Close to 10 million Canadian seniors will receive one or both of the payments. The extra amounts will be automatically added to benefit cheques, so seniors who qualify do not have to apply. The plan will cost $2 and a half-billion dollars.The provincial government will spend $300,000 dollars to help farmers and other food and beverage producers in BC to market their products online. The pandemic has forced many small businesses to create or enhance online sales. The Buy BC program will provide up to $5,000 per applicant, to access and develop websites for online sales and cover the costs of marketing and shipping products to consumers throughout the province. Applicants must have at least two years of business revenues, be licensed to do business in B.C. and be growing or processing one or more products here. Applications will open on Friday and will continue on a first come first served basis until all of the money is allocated. For more information, google "Buy BC Partnership Program" and follow the link.The City of Nanaimo is putting old tires to good use with a grant from Tire Stewardship BC. It will use a $28,000 dollar grant for rubber safety resurfacing at the Maffeo-Sutton Park playground. Snuneymuxw artist Noel Brown will use coloured recycled tire rubber to tell a story that will create imaginary play spaces for children. Phase one of the playground's redevelopment should be completed by late spring or early summer.The road to reconciliation for a Cowichan first nation will include the purchase of Crofton Corners and Chemainus River Storage. The Halalt first nation has acquired the land and businesses and residential complex, worth $2.16 million dollars, under what's called an "Incremental Treaty Agreement." It's the latest in a series of similar agreements with first nations in the Hul'qumi'num Treaty Group to be completed in the past six months. In January, the Penelakut first nation acquired the former 49th Parallel General Store in Chemainus. Last October, the Cowichan Tribes acquired the 153-hectare Genoa Bay Farm property.Written and reported by Lisa Cordasco. Senior Reporter and News Director for CHLY 101.7FM.Have a tip? Email: [email protected]: @lisacordasco / @chly1017FMFunded in part by the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada in partnership with the Community Radio Fund of Canada.