NANAIMO – New Democrat MLAs Sheila Malcolmson and Doug Routley say 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.
“Many of these organizations are on the frontlines of protecting people and our environment in and around Nanaimo. Despite the challenges of the past year – extreme weather, the pandemic, and the ongoing toxic drug crisis – they have continued to serve our community,” said Sheila Malcolmson, MLA for Nanaimo. “We recognize their vital efforts, and that’s why we are funding these public safety and environmental initiatives.”
In the North Cowichan and Nanaimo regions, seven community organizations are receiving $326,700 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.
Another four local not-for-profits are receiving $191,900 for environmental initiatives such as ecosystem conservation, animal welfare, and education and outreach programs.
“From trail maintenance to search and rescue efforts and fire prevention, we are extremely lucky to have so many local organizations and volunteers helping to keep our communities safe,” said Doug Routley, MLA for Nanaimo-North Cowichan. “Our government is supporting these efforts with funding through public safety grants, which will help ensure that organizations such as the Mudge Island Citizens Society and the Nanaimo Search and Rescue Society, can continue to deliver the important services our communities depend on.”
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