The provincial government is providing $50,000 to help the District of Chetwynd make local arts and culture an important part of the community's 50th anniversary celebration, Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Ida Chong announced.

Last March, the Province provided $800,000 to help B.C. communities include local arts and culture in milestone anniversary festivities. Funding comes from the 2010 Sport and Arts Legacy, established to carry on the spirit of community celebration that played such a key role in the success of the 2010 Vancouver Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

Anniversary events in Chetwynd include a chainsaw carving competition, "The Amazing Yard Sale" hosted by the Chetwynd Public Library, tours at the Little Prairie Heritage Museum, soccer and slo-pitch tournaments - as well as a 50th Anniversary Dance held at the Legion Hall, featuring local musicians.

Quotes:

Ida Chong, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development -

"Congratulations to the District of Chetwynd on the community's 50th anniversary. This year the B.C. government is helping communities around the province celebrating milestone anniversaries by providing funding to enlist the talents of local artists and cultural organizations during their celebrations. This support will help communities foster a sense of pride and identity."

Blair Lekstrom, MLA Peace River South -

"The District of Chetwynd is a vibrant B.C. community, proud of its history and confident in its future. With excellent schools, sports facilities, public infrastructure and an enterprising, entrepreneurial spirit, Chetwynd is a great place to live, work and raise a family. I encourage everyone to enjoy the community's 50th anniversary celebrations."

Merlin Nichols, mayor of the District of Chetwynd -

"Chetwynd continues to benefit from the interest, support and guidance of the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development. Most recently, we were delighted to receive from the ministry a grant of $50,000 for local arts and culture. Art and culture continues to be an important part of life in Chetwynd, and this grant will support and showcase its artists and local talent as never before."

"We are absolutely delighted to welcome Minister Chong to Chetwynd to visit vital community sites and to participate in a major art event that is part of our 50th Anniversary celebrations - the International Invitational Chain Saw Carving Challenge on June 10."

Quick Facts:

• Since 2001, the Province has granted more than $9,398,000 to the District of Chetwynd through a range of programs that help support local governments.
• In 2011-12, the Province granted $660,000 to improve access to the Chetwynd & District Recreation Centre.
• Community gaming grants approved in 2011-12 by the Province for organizations in Chetwynd include:
• $27,000 for the Tansi Friendship Centre Society.
• $23,625 for the Chetwynd and District Minor Hockey Association.
• $18,560 for five parent advisory councils in local schools.
• $9,600 for the Chetwynd Electric Eels Swim Club.
• $7,000 for the Little Giant Figure Skating Club.

• From 2001-2011, the BC Arts Council, funded by the provincial government, granted the Chetwynd Community Arts Council a total of $60,526.

Learn More:

Check out the provincial government's role in supporting artists and arts and cultural organizations through the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development at: http://www.gov.bc.ca/cscd

Contact:

Jeff Rud
Communications Director
Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250 953-3677