The final round of funding from B.C.’s Community Gaming Grant program is being awarded to nine new capital projects throughout northern B.C. for a total of $429, 369.
This includes $26,000 for a new water tank, air-conditioning unit, flooring and new furnaces for Prince George Alano Society's building that serves as a support space for people in recovery.
The Child Development Centre of Prince George will also get $28,140 for an elevator retrofit.
The society's elevator has been out of operation since Feb 2021 and the manufacturer of the elevator has been out of business for over 15 years, so in order to fix the elevator they need to retrofit the existing shell with all new parts or pieces that are commonly available to ensure they don't run into this same issue for many years.
Other projects in the region include $106,139 for the Ozalenka Alpine Club in McBride who plan to replace a cabin that acts as a welcoming and safe location for hikers in the backcountry of Ozalenka Valley.
The organization plans to construct a new single story wood cabin with a covered deck, a loft sleeping area, and a solar lighting system with cellphone and GPS charging capabilities to replace the original cabin built in 1989.
McBride Elks Lodge will also be getting $47, 268 for upgrades to the Elks Hall including accessible bathrooms.
"These investments in northern B.C. will improve services from emergency response to arts and culture spaces to child care," said Nathan Cullen, Minister of Municipal Affairs and MLA for Stikine in a provincial news release.
"Not-for-profit organizations are at the heart of fostering healthy, connected and safe communities in all corners of the province."
For example, Houston Search and Rescue will be receiving funding for a new truck to provide access to remove search areas and improve response times.
"Houston Search and Rescue is a team of 30 volunteers. We respond to search-and-rescue emergencies in the Houston area and throughout the northwest area of British Columbia," said Andy Muma, president, Houston Search and Rescue. "This rescue truck will provide much-needed capacity to carry emergency equipment and volunteers to these events."
The province says organizations that have been navigating increased service pressures during the pandemic have been prioritized in this round of funding.
Many not-for-profit organizations are using these funds to make adjustments that support physical distancing and other measures to ensure services and activities meet public health and safety guidelines.
Community Gaming Grants provide approximately $140 million each year to support nearly 5,000 not-for-profit organizations that deliver services to people in British Columbia with $5 million dedicated to funding the capital project sector.
