SOUTH ISLAND – New Democrat MLAs Grace Lore, Murray Rankin, Mitzi Dean, Lana Popham, and Rob Fleming say local organizations will be able to restore local ecosystems, rescue animals, and keep people safe thanks to funding from the Community Gaming Grants program for environmental and public safety initiatives.
Across the South Island, including in Greater Victoria and Sooke, eight community organizations are receiving $542,695 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 eleven local not-for-profits are receiving $572,000 for environmental initiatives such as ecosystem conservation, animal welfare, and education and outreach programs.
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.
Quotes:
Grace Lore, MLA for Victoria-Beacon Hill:
“There are incredible individuals and organizations working to improve life in Victoria and across the Island. Whether it is focused on public safety, leading marine rescue work, or providing education on our nature environmental, the efforts of these organizations support stronger, safer communities.”
Murray Rankin, MLA for Oak Bay-Gordon Head:
“Safety is a key concern for people in Oak Bay-Gordon Head and I know that reducing harm from violence and crime is equally as important. I am glad we are able to support the Victoria Restorative Justice Society and its efforts to find alternative methods, when appropriate, to address harm.”
Mitzi Dean, MLA for Esquimalt-Metchosin:
“We all benefit from efforts to improve trails, protect animal welfare and keep people safe in the outdoors. I am happy we are supporting local organizations across Esquimalt and the Westshore that are doing this important work.”
Lana Popham, MLA for Saanich-South:
“Protecting our environment and biodiversity helps build healthier communities. I am inspired by the work of the Horticulture Centre of the Pacific and The Land Conservancy of B.C., both based in my constituency of Saanich-South, and I am glad we are supporting their efforts.”
Rob Fleming, MLA for Victoria-Swan Lake:
“I am grateful for local organizations that are working to ensure future generations can enjoy the beauty of Vancouver Island, and for search and rescue teams that do incredible work saving people in rugged conditions. It’s great that we are supporting both conservation and safety initiatives.”
Learn more: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2022MUNI0005-000123