City grant to keep tree walks moving
The walk may be a little longer yet.
For decades, the Riverview Horticultural Society has provided tours of the trees at səmiq̓ʷəʔelə ((suh-Mee-kwuh-El-uh), previously known as the Riverview Lands. The future of the walk seemed to be in jeopardy earlier this year when B.C. Housing announced the society would be expected to pay for special events permits beginning in 2024.
However, a recent grant from the City of Coquitlam will allow the organization to continue leading those walks, according to a statement from the RHCS board.
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“Without this grant we would be very hard-pressed to continue our tree walks,” the board stated. “Our vision is to preserve and protect the diverse collection of unique trees for the benefit of all now and in the future and to support mental heath and wellness, environmental education, and the enjoyment of the lands as an urban park.”
Riverview Horticultural Centre Society requested $12,502 and was awarded $5,581 to help pay for 2024 tree walks.
Coquitlam Coun. Craig Hodge said he was pleased the city was at least partially funding the group – although he expressed misgivings about why that funding was needed.
“Another case where the provincial government is just passing expenses down to our community groups,” he said.
Notable grants
Council approved $136,296 worth of Spirit of Coquitlam grants this week for 20 groups.
The largest disbursement, $25,000 was awarded to the Coquitlam Minor Lacrosse Association to pay for the 2024 Female Adanac Challenge and 2024 Trevor Wing rove Memorial Tournament
The Hoy Scott Watershed Society requested $5,215 and received $2,214 for salmon monitoring and public outreach.
ACCESS Youth Outreach Services Society requested $27,000. The organization was awarded $10,588 to fund a 2024 Tri-Cities overdose awareness event series.
Centennial Secondary School Parent Advisory Council requested $15,000 and was awarded $13,537 to host three Community Carnivals hosted during 2023 football season home games.
Coastal Partners in Conservation awarded $7,355 to monitor species at risk in Coquitlam.
Tri-Cities Pride Society asked for and received $15,000 to help pay for a 2024 Coquitlam Pride Event.
Tri-City Chinese Community Society asked for $16,153 and received $13,783 to host the 2024 Chinese Lunar New Year Carnival.
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