Prince Rupert organizations gain share of government funding from gambling revenues

A share of gambling revenue from locations such as Chances
Prince Rupert come back to the community by way of grants

The next time you're in the Chances gaming centre in Prince Rupert, or other similar centres across the province, you can console yourself upon any unlucky streaks with the knowledge that some of your investments are being returned to the community.

Last week, the Province of British Columbia rolled out the latest in community organization funding that comes from a share of community gambling revenues.

With a number of groups and organizations in Prince Rupert, on Haida Gwaii and the Central Coast all receiving a range of financial benefits.

Over $235,000 was distributed last week  to be shared among community sports along with arts and culture organizations.

As the successful recipients were hearing word of their funding, North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice made note of the news through her social media feeds.

Nine organizations in Prince Rupert, three on Haida Gwaii and one on the Central coast all shared in the funding for this period of distribution.

From the home office in Prince Rupert's Ocean Centre, the full list of those to receive funding includes:

Prince Rupert

Northern British Columbia Museum Association
$56,000

Prince Rupert Minor Hockey Association 
$38,500

Prince Rupert Amateur Swim Club
$20,000

Association des Francophones et Franopohiles du Nord Ouest (AFFNO))
$19,000

JPA Jazz Productions Association of British Columbia
$17,000

Harbour Theatre Society
$10,480

Prince Rupert Curling Club
$10,350

Prince Rupert Minor Basketball Association
$10,000

Prince Rupert Minor Softball Association
$2,500

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Bella Bella

Discovery Coast Music Festival Society
$7,000

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Haida Gwaii

Haida Gwaii Museum Society (Skidegate)
$25,000

Edge of the World Music Festival Society (Queen Charlotte City)
$10,000

Port Clements Historical Society 
$9,500

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The money that is to be distributed comes from  revenues generated by commercial gambling which the Government of B.C. invests in key services, including health care and education

The province also allocates some of the revenue towards organizations representing arts and culture groups, sport, environment, public safety, human and social services and parent advisory councils.

That distribution is made through the Community Gaming Grants program into community-based capital projects. This funding helps not-for-profit organizations invest in facilities, infrastructure and major acquisitions that provide direct benefit to their communities.

Eligible organizations can apply for gaming grant funding in one of the following six sectors: arts and culture, sport, environment, public safety, human and social services, and parent advisory councils/district parent advisory councils.

More on the distribution of gambling revenues and how your community group may qualify for the program can be explored from this information statement from the Province.

For more items of interest from the Legislature see our archive page here.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review