The B.C. government is providing $75,000 to help the township of Esquimalt make local arts and culture an important part of the community's 100th anniversary celebration, Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Bill Bennett announced today.

Last March, the Province provided $800,000 to help B.C. communities include local arts and culture in their milestone anniversary festivities. Funding comes from the 2010 Sport and Arts Legacy.

The township of Esquimalt used $65,000 of its B.C. government grant for centennial celebrations and $10,000 for the Coast Salish Acknowledgement Project at Esquimalt High School, featuring the development of two works of Coast Salish art on the school grounds.

Quotes:

Bill Bennett, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development -

"Congratulations to the township of Esquimalt on the community's centennial anniversary. This year, the B.C. government is helping communities celebrate historic milestones by providing funding to ensure arts and culture are important parts of these anniversary events. This support is helping communities foster a sense of pride and identity.''

Barbara Desjardins, mayor of the township of Esquimalt -

"Our Esquimalt 100 Celebration at Gorge Park is a once-in-a lifetime event and the focal point for our centennial year. This family-friendly event will feature prominent local and national musicians, and celebrate our community's past, present and future through walking tours, children's activities, historical exhibits, canoe rides and much more. We are grateful to the B.C. government for its support throughout our centennial year and especially for making our centennial community celebration possible."

Quick Facts:

• Since 2001, the Province has granted close to $12 million to the township of Esquimalt through a range of programs that help support local governments.
• In 2011-12, the Province granted $400,000 for the Esquimalt Recreation Centre Community Recreation Program upgrades.
• Between April 1, 2011 and July 18, 2013, the B.C. government provided more than $1 million in community gaming grants to organizations operating in Esquimalt-Royal Roads Electoral District.

Learn More:

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

Visit the township of Esquimalt online for details about the community's centennial celebrations on Sept. 8 at: http://www.esquimalt.ca

Contact:

Jeff Rud
Communications Director
Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250 208-4028