The B.C. government is providing $50,000 to help the Village of Valemount make local arts and culture an important part of the community's 50th anniversary celebration, Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Bill Bennett announced today.

Last March, the government 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, 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.

In honour of the village's official half-century, Valemount is presenting a series of events under the theme of "Celebrating 50 Years of Mountain Culture". Activities include a welcome reception, performances by local artists, a poker walk around the newly constructed Big Foot Trail, avalanche and gold panning demonstrations, helicopter tours, family day, a community pancake breakfast and a community harvest dinner.

Quotes:

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

"Congratulations to the Village of Valemount on the community's 50th anniversary. This year, the B.C. government is helping communities around the province celebrate historic milestones by providing funding to enlist the talents of local artists and cultural organizations during anniversary events. This support is helping communities foster a sense of pride and identity."

Shirley Bond, MLA for Prince George-Valemount -

"The Village of Valemount's 50th anniversary provides a great opportunity for local families and residents of all ages to celebrate the community's culture and history. Congratulations to all the wonderful community organizations and volunteers for all they do to make Valemount a great place to live, work and play. I am looking forward to being a part of this special anniversary weekend."

Mayor Andru McCracken of the Village of Valemount -

"There is a lot to celebrate on our 50th anniversary of incorporation, and it is important that during this time of transition we consider where we've been and honour the work of our village founders and residents new and old alike."

"Come and celebrate during this Thanksgiving weekend and participate in events and experiences centred around local artists, performers and historical experiences. Thanks to the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development for recognizing the importance of this celebration."

Quick Facts:

• Since 2001, the government of B.C. has granted more than $7.5 million to the Village of Valemount through a range of programs that help support local governments.

• In 2011-12, the B.C. government granted $304,457 for the Big Foot Trail through the Community Recreation Program.

• In 2011-12, the B.C. government approved a $50,000 grant from the 2010 Sport and Arts Legacy to the Village of Valemount.

• In 2011-12, the B.C. government approved gaming grants for the Valemount Historic Society ($5,000) and the Valemount Secondary school PAC ($1,980).

• In 2011-12, the BC Arts Council, a publicly funded, independent agency of the B.C. government that supports artists, arts and culture organizations, approved a $4,500 grant for the Valemount Arts and Cultural Society.

Learn More:

Check out the provincial 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 BC Arts Council online at: http://www.bcartscouncil.ca

Visit the Village of Valemount online at: http://www.valemount.ca

Contact:

Gillian Rhodes
Communications Manager
Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250 888-1462