A social responsibility to improve programs and services has opened up new horizons for Kootenay communities.

The Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) delivered nearly $22 million in programming and services during the 2014-15 year to strengthen the region’s social, economic and environmental well-being.

Throughout the course of the 2014-15 year, the CBT contributed $17 million in new loans to businesses within the region and earned revenues greater than $29 million.

“Because of the strong performance of our investments, our revenues were higher than anticipated, which means we were able to offer more programs and services to Basin residents,” said Neil Muth, CBT president and chief executive officer. “Moving into the future, we look forward to having even greater impact on well-being in the region.”

The Waneta Expansion in Trail began operating this spring, which is expected to have a positive impact on the CBT’s future revenues as well as their stocks and bonds, local real estate and Basin-based business loans.

There has been a major focus on public engagement with Basin residents to find out what’s important to them and how the CBT should focus its efforts best. Roughly 3,000 people provided insight during the process and the CBT plans to use the solicited information to set priorities and manage spending in the area.

Read more about the Trust’s performance in its 2014/15 Annual Service Plan Report at cbt.org/annualreport.