16 Tri-Cities groups awarded nearly $400,000 in provincial gaming grants

Sixteen Tri-Cities arts and culture organizations will share nearly $400,000 in provincial funding aimed at strengthening local music, theatre, and heritage programs, the B.C. NDP announced on Thursday.

The money comes from the province’s Community Gaming Grants program, which supports not-for-profit organizations with revenue generated through the B.C. Lottery Corporation. Provincewide, 771 groups received more than $16.6 million this year.

“The Tri-Cities has vibrant arts and culture organizations, and there’s opportunity for everyone to take part,” stated Jennifer Blatherwick, MLA for Coquitlam-Maillardville. “These grants will help make sure that the programs, spaces, and societies we love can continue to thrive.”

The recipients span choirs, theatre groups, heritage societies, and cultural associations across Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, and Port Moody. The largest local award – $90,000 – went to the Société francophone de Maillardville to support French-language cultural programming in Coquitlam.

Other significant grants include $49,000 to the Coastal Sound Music Academy Society, $44,600 to the Coquitlam Heritage Society, $38,000 to Theatrix Youtheatre Society in Port Coquitlam, and $35,000 to the Tri-City Asian Arts and Culture Society in Port Moody.

Port Coquitlam MLA Mike Farnworth said the investment will help ensure cultural opportunities remain accessible.

“Boosting organizations like these helps make sure that Port Coquitlam, and communities across B.C., continue to be amazing places to live,” he said. 

Meanwhile, Port Moody–Burquitlam MLA Rick Glumac emphasized the community benefits.

“These organizations help bring people together, create a sense of community, and contribute to our quality of life.”

Jodie Wickens, MLA for Coquitlam–Burke Mountain, added that the funds will help maintain the “dedicated, passionate staff and volunteers” that power local arts programming.

Local recipients include:

• Coquitlam: Coastal Sound Music Academy Society ($49,000), Phoenix Vocal and Performing Society ($20,000), Société francophone de Maillardville ($90,000), Coquitlam Heritage Society ($44,600).
  
• Port Coquitlam: VAYA Youth Arts Society ($23,000), Westcoast Harmony Chorus ($8,000), Polonez Tri-City Polish Association ($10,000), Maple Leaf Singers ($10,000), Theatrix Youtheatre Society ($38,000), Port Coquitlam Heritage and Cultural Society ($5,650), Art Focus Artists’ Association ($3,000).
  
• Port Moody: Port Moody Heritage Society ($28,000), Yarilo Contemporary Music Society ($4,000), Golden Spike Days Society ($20,000), Creative Dance Association ($8,000), Tri-City Asian Arts and Culture Society ($35,000).