Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Bill Bennett says after three years of work on the part of the Resort Municipality of Whistler, he is approving its Official Community Plan.

Non-profit arts and cultural organizations, First Nations band councils and friendship centres in B.C. will share $2.384 million in grants for 118 projects through two new arts programs.

The government of British Columbia is providing an additional $1 million to Creative BC bringing the total new contribution to the society to $2 million and enhancing its ability to focus on priorities areas.

The Province is providing $39.4 million to the Peace River Region through the 2013 instalment of the Peace River Memorandum of Understanding.

Artists and cultural organizations, including community arts councils, will share $8.36 million in the latest round of BC Arts Council grants, funded by the B.C. government.

Communities throughout B.C. will share more than $20 million with the latest instalment of the Strategic Community Investment Fund (SCIF) announced Bill Bennett, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development.

Government has introduced legislation that makes amendments to the Community Charter and the Vancouver Charter.

Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Bill Bennett has wrapped up meetings with community leaders in Terrace and Kitimat as the province leads discussions on the opportunities, benefits and challenges expected as a result of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) development.