New Westminster – The City of New Westminster will distribute over $635,000 in city grants to community organizations in 2010. Local organizations will receive the funding to carry out projects that contribute to community life in The Royal City.

 

“These city grants provide important funding that support our local organizations to continue doing the great work they do,” said Mayor Wayne Wright. “We also recognize the dedication and hard work that staff and volunteers of these organizations put into making New Westminster a great place to live, work and play.”

 

Eighty-seven grants will be awarded in the areas of Amateur Sports ($30,750 allocated), Heritage ($20,000 allocated), Arts & Culture ($78,000 allocated), City Partnerships ($455,000 allocated) and Community ($39,000 allocated.) Also this year, a new environmental grant program was introduced with four organizations receiving a total of $19,850 in funding. Only New Westminster-based organizations or non-profit societies were eligible to receive a city grant, with all funding provided on a cost-shared basis with the balance coming from partnerships and fund-raising activities.

 

“We are very pleased with the number of projects we were able to fund this year,” said Joanne Edey-Nicoll, Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation. “These grants enable local organizations to put on events, festivals and initiatives that build a healthy community and bring our citizens together.”

 

Examples of grants that will be distributed for this year include $180,000 in funding and in-kind services for Hyack Festival Association; $28,500 in funding and in-kind services for the Arts Council for a variety of projects and events; $5,000 for the Royal City Musical Society; and $500 to the Hyack Anvil Battery for the annual firing of the anvil. Examples of Environmental grants for 2010 include $6,500 to Fraser River Discovery Centre for “The Ripple Effect” project and $7,350 to Fraserside Community Services Society for their “Biggest Little Garden in Town” project.

 

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Contact:              
Joanne Edey-Nicoll, Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation
Tel: 604-527-4629
Email:    jedey-nicoll@newwestcity.ca

 

Blair Fryer, Communications Manager

Tel: 604-527-4688

Email:    bfryer@newwestcity.ca