BC Government: Gaming grants fund community projects throughout B.C.

Press Release

Not-for-profit organizations that provide community resources will receive capital project funding to support people in communities throughout B.C.

These organizations include recreation and arts facilities, health and social services, and search and rescue operations.

“We’re proud to provide capital funding through Community Gaming Grants program to organizations that are connecting people to services in their communities,” said Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “We are excited to see these investments take shape as they will have a profoundly beneficial effect on people and communities throughout British Columbia.”

In 2019-20, the Province is providing $5 million in capital project grants for organizations to buy and upgrade community facilities, infrastructure and equipment. Examples of the projects funded this year include:

$116,000 to the Rise Women’s Legal Centre in Vancouver to upgrade the office, including making the space more accessible.
$121,000 to the Prince Rupert Search and Rescue Society to buy a mobile command-centre vehicle with equipment and supplies for first aid, tracking and initial response teams.
almost $50,000 to Dze L K”ant Friendship Centre Society in Smithers for the building’s revitalization, including energy-efficient building upgrades.
$100,000 to the Oliver-Osoyoos Search and Rescue Society to build a truck and trailer station to support search and rescue efforts.

The capital projects program is part of the annual $140-million Community Gaming Grants program supporting about 5,000 community organizations that deliver arts and culture, sport, environment, public safety, human and social services, and parent advisory councils.

“The 2019 capital project sector program provides another round of long-term investments in not-for-profit organizations across British Columbia,” said Caroline Miller, chair, BC Association of Charitable Gaming. “It is critical that not-for-profit organizations have access to funding for major capital projects, so they can support people in need, support children and families, and help build vibrant communities.”

Quick Facts:

Every year, commercial gaming generates revenue that the Government of B.C. invests in key services.
- These investments support organizations in the areas of health care and education, arts and culture groups, sports, environment, public safety, human and social services, as well as parent advisory councils in schools throughout B.C.
Up to $140 million of the revenue generated is directed into the community through the Community Gaming Grants program that supports about 5,000 community organizations each year, with $5 million dedicated to funding the capital project sector.
Each year, eligible organizations can apply for a capital project sector grant, in addition to one of the six sectors of regular Community Gaming Grants.
The next round of applications for the capital project program will be accepted from June 1 to July 31, 2020.

Learn More:

The full list of capital projects sector recipients is available online:
https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/CGG-2019-Capital-Project-Backgrounder-Recipients-with-Project-Descriptions.pdf

A project in Maple Ridge has provided almost $120,000 to Ridge Meadows Child Development Centre to help it complete renovations on a new space for therapy and family support programs for children:
https://news.gov.bc.ca/21234

A project in Surrey provided $250,000 to the YMCA of Greater Vancouver to upgrade water quality at the aquatic centre at the Tong Louie Family YMCA in Surrey:
https://news.gov.bc.ca/21226

A project in Cobble Hill has provided $250,000 to the Clements Centre Society in Cobble Hill for construction of a new two-storey facility to serve adults with developmental disabilities:
https://news.gov.bc.ca/21212

Learn more about capital projects sector grants:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/sports-culture/gambling-fundraising/gaming-grants/capital-project-grants

ILR5