OCEANSIDE – New Democrat MLA Adam Walker says local organizations will be able to restore local ecosystems and keep people safe thanks to funding from the Community Gaming Grants program for environmental and public safety initiatives.

“Exploring the natural beauty of the Island can be breathtaking, but in the event of the unexpected I am grateful for the search and rescue teams who go to incredible efforts when someone is in danger,” said Adam Walker, MLA for Parksville-Qualicum. “Supporting their work goes hand-in-hand with our efforts to promote safety education and conserve and protect the environment.”

In the Oceanside region, three community organizations are receiving $120,875 in grants for public safety work. This can include volunteer firefighting, marine and land search and rescue operations, crime reduction and restorative justice, and emergency response and communications.

And one local not-for-profit is receiving $21,000 for environmental initiatives such as ecosystem conservation.

Over $10.5 million is being distributed through the Environment and Public Safety streams of the Community Gaming Grant program for the 2021/2022 fiscal year. $140 million are distributed annually though Community Gaming Grants to roughly 1,500 community not-for-profit organizations across all streams of the program. These grants help organizations build strong, vibrant communities across B.C.

Learn more: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2022MUNI0005-000123