In January 2012, Premier Christy Clark increased the annual base budget for gaming grants by $15 million to $135 million per year into the future and expanded eligibility to include environmental organizations, as well as adult sport and arts organizations.

As part of the expanded eligibility, environmental organizations shared over $2,642,000 in 106 gaming grants from the provincial government during a special intake in fiscal year 2011-12, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development Ida Chong announced today.

The full list of approved gaming grants for 2011-12 is available at:

http://www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/gaming/revenue/index.htm

Recipients represent a wide range of organizations working to support the environment through activities including: wildlife preservation, grasslands conservation, lake stewardship, river management, fish restoration, marine science and recycling. Grants help support invasive species councils and societies dedicated to parks, wilderness, environmental education, and animal care and rescue.

Quotes:

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

"Environmental organizations perform a great public service in communities across British Columbia through their efforts to protect ecosystems and preserve natural habitat. Many of these groups also do a great job providing education about B.C.'s significant environmental heritage."

"I congratulate all community gaming grant recipients in the environmental sector. Also, I want to thank the many local volunteers for their commitment to environmental values in their community."

Terry Lake, Minister of Environment -

"There are a lot of groups across our province making a real difference when it comes to protecting our environment. They work on everything from grassland conservation to river restoration to environmental education - and we owe them a big thanks for the work they do."

Quick Facts:

• During 2011-12, approximately 5,300 community groups shared $135 million.
• Organizations eligible for community gaming grants include: agricultural fairs, local festivals and celebrations, heritage associations and museums, arts and culture, sports, environmental organizations, human and social services, public safety, parent advisory councils and district parent advisory councils.

Learn More:

Check out the provincial government's role in supporting sport, arts and culture 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