CASTLEGAR – New Democrat MLA Katrine Conroy is welcoming $263,900 in funding for five not-for-profit organizations in the West Kootenays. The organizations, which provide public safety services, are receiving funds through the Community Gaming Grants program.

“Everyone involved in these organizations puts in so much time and hard work helping keep our communities and surrounding areas safe,” said Conroy, MLA for Kootenay West. “I’m proud we’re offering this funding to help them with that important work.”

The recipients of the community grant funding are the Castlegar Society for Search and Rescue, Edgewood Volunteer Fire Department Society, the Rossland and District Search and Rescue Society, the Slocan and District Technical Rescue Society, and the South Columbia Search and Rescue Society.

The Province is providing approximately $5.6 million to nearly 125 organizations in the public safety sector. Through public safety programs, non-profit organizations provide emergency and lifesaving services including search and rescue activities, volunteer fire departments, emergency preparedness, and community and restorative justice for people across the province.

In 2019-20, the Province is also providing approximately $4.6 million to more than 135 organizations in the environment sector. Environmental programming gives British Columbians the opportunity to learn about and connect with nature. The grants also support wildlife rehabilitation programs and shelters for animals.

The Community Gaming Grants program provides up to $140 million to about 5,000 not-for-profit organizations in British Columbia each year.

Learn More: https://news.gov.bc.ca/21195

For more information about B.C. Community Gaming Grants, visit http://www.gov.bc.ca/gaminggrants.

The full list of Public Safety and Environment sector grants is available online at:https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/CGG_2019_Public%20Safety_Environment_Grant_Awards_Backgrounder.pdf