Don't be surprised if you see more painted turtles in places like Coquitlam's Mundy Park.
The Coastal Partners in Conservation Society, a PoCo non-profit that works to preserve local ecosystems, is one of nine organizations in the Tri-Cities getting money from the provincial government's community gaming grants.
Coastal Partners recently completed a project to build a nesting beach for the western painted turtles that make Lost Lake in the park their home.
The combined total distributed to all the organizations is $294,000.
"These grants help non-profit organizations in our community continue environmental conservation and the life-saving emergency work people rely on," said Coquitlam-Burke Mountain MLA Fin Donnelly in a statement provided to the Tri-City News.
Environmental conservation, education and outreach, as well as public safety initiatives, were the themes for the new grant distribution.
Coquitlam Search and Rescue (SAR) received a good chunk of change to improve upon its land and marine service teams at $100,000 — the highest amount granted to the local community organizations.
"They work to keep us safe outdoors and protect and restore our watersheds, keeping our communities healthy and safe," Donnelly added.
The Tri-City recipients for B.C. gaming grants are as follows (in alphabetical order):
COQUITLAM
- British Columbia Lake Stewardship Society
- $7,000
- Environment education and outreach
- Coquitlam Search and Rescue Society
- $100,000
- Land and marine search and rescues
- Coquitlam Search and Rescue Society
- $17,000
- Public safety
- Rivershed Society of British Columbia (RSBC)
- $25,000
- Environment education and outreach
- Canadian Ski Patrol System - Greater Vancouver Zone
- $22,500
- Trail and recreation safety
- Communities Embracing Restorative Action (CERA) Society
- $60,000
- Crime prevention and public safety
- Green Bricks Education Society
- $31,000
- Environment education and outreach
PORT COQUITLAM
- Coastal Partners in Conservation Society
- $26,000
- Ecosystem conservation
PORT MOODY
- Tri-Cities Off Road Cycling Association
- $5,500
- Trail safety
In total, more than 250 groups across B.C. with an environment and/or public safety focus received funds today (Jan. 28).
"This funding helps not-for-profit organizations continue to provide vital programming and supports to people so they can thrive and feel safer and healthier in their communities," explains Josie Osborne, minister of municipal affairs.
"We are supporting local organizations that are committed to a wide range of activities that enhance the environment and improve public safety, including search and rescue, restorative justice, conservation and wildlife preservation, and more."
Every year, the province says commercial gaming revenue funds essential government programs and services in B.C. communities.
— with a file from Janis Cleugh
