The community has worked hard to ensure that the Official Community Plan is consistent with the Whistler 2020 sustainability plan, reflects its community values, and ensures local growth is managed effectively and responsibly.
Since 1993, when the existing Official Community Plan was comprehensively reviewed, Whistler has changed significantly as its population has doubled from 5,000 to over 10,000. In 2009, Whistler approached the Province to advise that it would be reviewing its plan after the Olympics.
A comprehensive update to the plan was started in April 2010 to ensure Whistler's future success as a world-class resort. The review included community events, open houses, working group sessions, advisory committee meetings, and youth participation that engaged 1,500 participants. Through this process, strong support was expressed for growth management to protect the many features that make Whistler a desirable destination resort.
The Resort Municipality also engaged both the Squamish First Nations and Lil'Wat First Nations. The Province is prepared to engage both the municipality and local First Nations in future discussions on land use and economic development opportunities.
The minister's approval is the last step in the process before Whistler's Council can adopt the bylaw which confirms the Official Community Plan. The bylaw can be amended periodically as changing circumstances and new opportunities are considered. In the absence of any major provincial concern, the ministry tries to approve bylaws as soon as possible so as not to hold up the community process and to ensure certainty for the local government.
Media Contact:
Matt Gordon
Communications Director
Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250 896-4923 (Cell)
The building where the seniors' drop-in centre was built in 1979 and 1980 requires various upgrades. These improvements include a new stove for its Monday-to-Thursday lunch service, new kitchen cabinet doors and a number of renovations to provide increased handicapped services to the seniors who use the facility.
Government gaming grants benefit local communities by allowing eligible organizations to apply for gaming revenues that support a broad range of local programs and services.
Quote:
Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Bennett -
"Organizations such as the Senior Citizens Club of Fernie and District provide very important services to the communities they serve. I am very pleased that government is able to support the Club and help improve the facility and continue to provide a great place for seniors to get together and, among other things, share a laugh and a story over a home-cooked meal."
Learn More:
To find out more about projects funded through this program: http://www.gaming.gov.bc.ca/grants
Media Contact:
Matt Gordon
Communications Director
Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250 896-4923
By creating trails designed to meet Cross Country Canada's criteria for races at the regional, provincial and national level, these trails will allow Fernie to host high-caliber racing events, which will contribute to the local economy, provide world-class ski trails during the winter and family-focused mountain bike trails in the summer. The trails will also significantly enhance tourism and recreation opportunities in the community.
In the fall of 2012, the Fernie Nordic Society conducted a competitive bidding process to identify a trail designer to help design trail options for Nordic skiing in the area. That process resulted in Reidar Zapf-Gilje-one of the top Nordic trail designers in the country-agreeing to work with the society on the development of a new trail plan. Most notably, he was involved in Nordic trail designs in several capacities for the Vancouver-Whistler 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games, including the design for 50 kilometres of Olympic training and post-Olympic recreational ski trails.
The Fernie Nordic Society's membership has grown by 35 per cent this year alone. They have over 300 members and registrations continue to be processed. Their Kids Skill Development program has expanded by 85 per cent over the past 6 seasons, having grown from 10 kids in their first year of lessons to almost 70 kids to date.
Government gaming grants benefit local communities by allowing eligible organizations to apply for gaming revenues that support a broad range of local programs and services.
Quote:
Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Bennett -
"Nordic skiing is a wonderful outdoor activity during the winter months and clearly a growing pastime in the Elk Valley. I am very pleased government is able to support the Fernie Nordic Society, wish them continued success and look forward to another great ski season in the valley next year."
Learn More:
To find out more about projects funded through this program: http://www.gaming.gov.bc.ca/grants
Media Contacts:
Matt Gordon
Communications Director
Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250 896-4923
The comprehensive feasibility study, expected to take three to four months, will look at a number of different factors to determine whether the area can support a new arena and curling rink. Population growth projections, capital and operating costs, community support and possible locations are among the considerations which will be explored during the process.
Extensive consultations, including open town-hall meetings, involving various local organizations, local government officials, the school district, business leaders, other interest groups and residents will contribute their views to the final report.
Government gaming grants benefit local communities by allowing eligible organizations to apply for gaming revenues that support a broad range of local programs and services.
Quotes:
Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Bill Bennett -
"I look forward to the conclusions of the feasibility study. This is exactly how these processes should work - by engaging with the very people who will utilize and benefit from the project. I know just how popular sports like hockey and curling are in the area, but ultimately it will be up to the community to decide if this is the right project."
Learn More:
To find out more about projects funded through this program: http://www.gaming.gov.bc.ca/grants
Media Contact:
Matt Gordon
Communications Director
Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250 896-4923 (Cell)
The senior's population in this area of Vancouver has been growing faster than in the city as a whole, resulting in a growing need for this type of resource for seniors in the neighbourhood.
Once built, this new 700-square-metre (7,500-square-foot) facility - an addition to the existing Killarney Community Centre - will provide programs, activities, services and special events for older adults of all cultures in the southeast section of Vancouver.
The addition will make use of the existing elevator and kitchen facility and expand by adding on meeting spaces, washrooms, a reception area and office space for the non-profit group.
Quote:
Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Bennett -
"I am convinced that to enjoy the best health you can, it's important for seniors to get out and participate in social activities and feel part of a caring community, even in living in a big city. This facility in Southeast Vancouver will go a long way towards promoting a nurturing, supportive environment that fosters social integration. I'm very pleased my government was able to step up to the plate for seniors living in this area."
Media Contact:
Matt Gordon
Communications Director
Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250 896-4923
The government of British Columbia and several Disability Sport Organizations have agreed to partner with Kamloops to pilot disability sport programming at the 2014 Kamloops Legacy Performance Games.
Over the next three years, the government of B.C. has allotted $75,000 annually for new disability event opportunities. The Kamloops Legacy Performance Games are a good fit with a number of sports and a negotiated portion of the $75,000 will be made available over the next three years as a pilot. Amounts will be dependent on the number of sports represented. The Kamloops Sports Council is continuing to work with Disability Sport Organizations to identify opportunities.
The Kamloops Legacy Games are a result of the 2011 Western Canada Summer Games. The games are meant to provide multisport competition opportunities for athletes who miss out on other competitions because they don't fit the age categories or because their sports are not included.
The Kamloops Legacy Performance Games will run June 27-30, 2013 as a test event and will feature power soccer and wheelchair rugby as well as seven able-bodied sports. The first biannual Legacy Performance Games will take place in 2014.
Quotes:
Terry Lake, MLA for Kamloops-North Thompson -
"The Kamloops Legacy Performance Games represent a perfect development opportunity for a multisport competition for disability sports, filling a gap in B.C.'s sportscape. We are proud to support an innovative new competition and we know that with Kamloops' enthusiastic sport culture and extensive volunteer base, the Legacy Performance Games will take root and grow, providing many more sport opportunities for British Columbians."
Henry Pejril, president, Kamloops Sports Council -
"At the Kamloops Legacy Performance Games, we are very excited to have the support of the Province in helping athletes with physical disabilities to gain opportunities to increase their skill and experience through competition. The vision of the Legacy Performance Games is to support long term athlete development in the province and to showcase our amazing facilities in Kamloops, Canada's Tournament Capital."
Gail Hamamoto, executive director, BC Wheelchair Sports Association -
"BC Wheelchair Sports greatly appreciates the support of the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development in providing funding to the Kamloops Legacy Performance Games for athletes with a disability. This support is critical in ensuring equitable opportunities at multisport games in British Columbia that meet the needs of our future Paralympians. We thank both the provincial government and the Kamloops Legacy Performance Games for their commitment to addressing this gap in the long term athlete development model for athletes with a disability, and look forward to a very positive partnership."
Quick Facts:
Contact:
Matt Gordon
Communications Director
Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250 953-3677
250 896-4923
In June, members will consider a resolution at the BC Hockey Annual General Meeting to raise the age of the introduction of bodychecking in youth rep hockey. BC Hockey is encouraging members to let their associations know if they support raising the age.
Bill Bennett, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development -
"I played defense in hockey. Both of my sons played, I coached and I managed hockey teams, but I don't pretend to be any sort of an expert. I just want parents and coaches to be aware of the medical information available today on the impact of bodychecking at a young age, so that they can make an informed decision."
Wilf Liefke, president, BC Hockey -
"Many local associations are holding their AGMs in the weeks leading up to the provincial AGM, so this is a good opportunity to discuss the issue and make informed decisions."
Bill Barrable, CEO, Rick Hansen Institute -
"Increasingly medical research confirms that the adolescent brain is especially vulnerable to traumatic brain injury. A growing body of research is also telling us that body checking in youth rep leagues is a major risk factor for spinal cord injury and traumatic brain injury. It's very important that minor hockey associations promote awareness among all parents, coaches and players with these facts."
Quick Facts:
Fact sheet: http://www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/Bodychecking_Factsheet_April_2013.pdf
Contact:
Matt Gordon
Communications Director
Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250 953-3677
250 896-4923
BC Creative Spaces provided $1.25 million for 37 projects to improve community arts infrastructure. Approved projects include museum and studio construction, art centre renovations and the purchase of arts equipment, including stage lighting and sound systems. Besides generating immediate opportunities for local businesses, BC Creative Spaces will help community organizations engage residents and visitors in arts and culture.
BC Creative Communities funded 81 projects with $1.134 million to help arts and culture organizations encourage participation in local creative activities. Funding will support community celebrations, events and cultural mapping/planning projects to maximize economic and social benefits from the arts.
For a complete list of grant recipients, visit: http://www.cscd.gov.bc.ca/arts_culture/index.htm
BC Creative Spaces and BC Creative Communities are funded by the British Columbia government.
Quotes:
Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Bill Bennett -
"Arts and culture make good things happen throughout British Columbia. Cultural organizations bring colour and ceremony to urban and rural communities, improving the quality of life for residents and attracting visitors. Cultural activities generate revenue for local businesses and support jobs. Through their amazing creativity, artists offer perspectives that build positive images of our province as a great place to live and work. This new funding will refresh arts infrastructure and programming, helping local organizations continue to bring the many benefits of arts and culture to their communities."
Quick Facts:
Learn More:
Check out the provincial government's role in supporting sport, arts and culture through the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development at: http://www.gov.bc.ca/cscd
Contact:
Matt Gordon
Communications Director
Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250 896-4923 (cell)
The $105,000 program is a one-time investment to support athlete and coach development for all northern B.C. residents in the lead-up to the 2015 Canada Winter Games in Prince George. Funded by the government of B.C. and administered by viaSport, the program distributed funding to local sport clubs and Aboriginal groups for equipment related to any of the 35 winter and summer sports that are currently a part of the Canada Games.
The equipment grants are part of British Columbia's larger Northern Sport Strategy designed to maximize the benefits of the 2015 Canada Winter Games in Prince George.
Quotes:
Bill Bennett, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
"Sport is one of our province's great success stories, and we want to ensure that all British Columbians have the equipment they need to lead active, healthy lifestyles. That's why we're proud to support this program, which provides access to equipment throughout northern B.C. including to sport groups in isolated communities."
Moira Gookstetter, vice president, viaSport
"The Northern BC Sport Equipment Grant provides community groups with the support they need to grow their sport and further develop their athletes. This platform for funding will not only create a legacy for sport in the north following the 2015 Canada Winter Games, it will help sustain longer-term participation in sport and physical activity."
Quick Facts:
Learn More:
viaSport: http://www.viasport.ca/NSS.php
Backgrounder:http://www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/factsheets/BACKGROUNDER_Northern_Equipment_Grant.pdf
Media Contacts:
Matt Gordon
Communications Director
Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250 896-4923
Amanda Brkich
Communications Manager
viaSport
778 331-8657
In 1999 the BC Arts Council initiated BC Arts and Culture Week to showcase and celebrate the arts in British Columbia. As the B.C. government's key development and funding agency for the arts, the BC Arts Council supports arts and cultural organizations, as well as individual artists in every region of the province. With special funding from council, about 40 local arts councils are organizing events during BC Arts and Culture Week, highlighting the social, cultural and economic importance of the arts.
Works by more than 20,000 amazing B.C. artists will inspire BC Arts and Culture Week celebrations in communities large and small, urban and rural. Events include art crawls, public art projects, art exhibitions, arts festivals, concerts and First Nations celebrations. For more information on BC Arts and Culture Week activities, visit: http://bcartsweek.org/promo-downloads
BC Arts and Culture Week connects artists with audiences of all ages. Local arts activities help inspire young British Columbians to explore their own creativity and artistic talent. ArtsBC and ArtStarts in Schools, two non-profit organizations, will present BC Arts and Culture Week 2013, with support from the British Columbia government through the BC Arts Council.
During BC Arts and Culture Week, the BC Arts Council, ArtsBC and ArtStarts in Schools recognize individual British Columbians for contributions to the arts through the BC Arts Champion Awards. The 2013 BC Arts Champions are: Bernice Heinzelman, Quesnel (arts administration), Dianna David, Vancouver (artist) and Dianne Ocampo, Surrey (youth).
Quotes:
Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Bennett -
"British Columbia is blessed by inspirational cultural traditions, from the artistic legacy of First Nations to the creative innovations of contemporary art. By celebrating BC Arts and Culture Week, we recognize B.C.'s diverse cultural heritage and on-going artistic excellence. I urge all British Columbians to support BC Arts and Culture Week activities in communities throughout the province."
BC Arts Council chair Stan Hamilton -
"Every year, British Columbia's creative artists and strong cultural organizations use their talent and energy to ensure the success of BC Arts and Culture Week. The BC Arts Council is pleased to have supported many of these participants who will be sharing their talent. BC Arts and Culture Week offers a great opportunity for British Columbians to share council's pride and pleasure in the excellence and professionalism of arts and culture in our province."
ArtsBC executive director Sheryl McGraw -
"BC Arts and Culture Week provides an excellent opportunity to highlight the vital contribution that arts and culture make to life in communities across British Columbia. Hundreds of arts organizations, communities and schools will celebrate BC Arts and Culture Week by presenting a dazzling range of events and activities from pop-up dance performances to banner projects, exhibitions, poetry readings and much more. Congratulations to all the artists and arts organizations that make help BC Arts and Culture Week an outstanding success every year."
ArtStarts in Schools executive director Navida Nuraney -
"Year-round, ArtStarts in Schools strives to ensure that young people across B.C. engage in meaningful artistic activities in their schools and communities. BC Arts & Culture Week is an opportunity for us all to express the many ways that arts and culture are alive in our province."
Quick Facts:
Learn More:
Visit the BC Arts Council's website at: http://www.bcartscouncil.ca
Check out the provincial government's role in supporting sport, arts and culture through the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development at: http://www.gov.bc.ca/cscd
Contact:
Matt Gordon
Communications Director
Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
Cell: 250 896-4923
This new provincial regulatory regime will enhance the safety of participants in professional boxing and mixed martial arts (MMA) through consistent regulation. The BC Athletic Commissioner will be responsible for administering a provincial standard of qualifications and safety protocols for all participants and officials through a uniform licensing and permitting framework, and ensuring compliance with the act and its regulation.
The provincial commissioner will replace local commissions (authorized under the Community Charter and the Vancouver Charter) that currently regulate these sports in their communities, thereby providing a more consistent regulatory approach.
Quotes:
Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Bill Bennett -
"There is no question mixed martial arts has rapidly grown into a tremendously popular sport here in British Columbia and across North America. A key priority for this government is to ensure that these activities take place in the safest possible environment. Regulation at the provincial level will also mean that MMA is regulated in a consistent way in all areas of the province. This benefits both participants and the MMA industry."
Quick Facts:
Contacts:
Matt Gordon
Communications Director
Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250 896-4923
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The natural gas sector has expanded significantly in the Northern Rockies region since 2005 including development of the Horn River Basin and new gas processing facilities. With other huge reserves such as the Cordova Embayment and the Liard basin identified, the sector is expected to undertake a major expansion as the Liquefied Natural Gas initiative moves forward.
Natural Gas Sector Expansion and the potential growth of the region will place significant demands on the community for housing, infrastructure and community services that cannot be met only through property taxes. This agreement supports the expansion of the industry by securing infrastructure funding for a growing community, to be provided as the expected growth occurs.
Quotes:
Premier Christy Clark -
"The economic benefits of LNG will be enormous and unprecedented across British Columbia, including the remarkable growth to the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality. We will continue to work closely with local governments and ensure they are prepared for the expansion."
Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Bill Bennett -
"I want to commend Peace River North MLA, Pat Pimm, for his advocacy on behalf of his constituents in the NRRM, Mayor Streeper for his community leadership, and ministry staff for their diligence and creativity. This is a novel agreement, one that links funding to growth in the natural gas industry. My congratulations to all concerned."
Peace River North MLA Pat Pimm -
"I am very pleased with today's announcement and I want to recognize the Premier on a promise made and a promise kept. The community has been asking for this for decades and the agreement ensures that as the region grows and community needs increase, the province will be there for the region to help provide the residents with the services they deserve for many, many years to come."
Fort Nelson Mayor Bill Streeper -
"Today is a great day for the residents of the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality. Local communities like ours need help to balance the benefits of the pending economic boom and the increased demand for local services. This agreement was the right thing to do and a tremendous step toward fully realizing the economic benefits to our region."
Quick Facts:
View video highlights of this announcement: http://youtu.be/-p6Og7EUi8g
Contact:
Matt Gordon
Communications Director
Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250 896-4923
The B.C. government is providing up to $2,000 per grant to 31 different non-profit groups for sport programs through the Local Sport Program Development Fund. The Fund is administered by viaSport.
Local Sport Program Development Fund grants are designed to help establish new sport programs or expand existing ones so that more British Columbians, particularly those who face barriers to sport, have opportunities to participate.
Programs funded this year are focused on teaching fundamental sport skills to children, introducing new immigrants to sport, expanding Aboriginal sport programs, and providing adaptive sports to persons with a disability. Funds are generally used for equipment, coach training, or program development.
Quotes:
Bill Bennett, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development -
"A key priority for the province is to encourage participation in sport and active, healthy lifestyles by all British Columbians regardless of age, background or ability. The Local Sport Program Development Fund is a good news story because it helps ensure everyone can take part. It is exactly the kind of program our government is proud to support."
Moira Gookstetter, vice president, viaSport -
"One of our goals at viaSport is to unite and energize B.C. communities through the power of sport and increased participation in physical activity. The Local Sport Program Development grant program continues to help organizations get the boost they need to start or expand a local sport initiative, giving more people an opportunity to get involved and play."
Quick Facts:
Learn More:
viaSport: http://www.viasport.ca/
Backgrounder:
http://www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/factsheets/Local_Sport_Development_Fund_Grant_Recipients.pdf
Contacts:
Matt Gordon
Communications Director
Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250 953-3677
Amanda Brkich
Communications Manager
viaSport
778 331-8657
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This Crown grant transfers approximately 21 hectares surrounding the Princeton Regional Airport. The land is an integral part of aircraft approach and take-off as its addition would allow for the expansion of the runway and facilities to increase airport capacity.
The Crown land being transferred is a portion of the property considered to be included when the federal government ceded ownership of the airport to the Town of Princeton in 1996. This Crown land grant corrects the oversight. The Princeton Regional Airport has been in operation for over 70 years and provides an important transportation link to the area.
Quotes:
Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development Bill Bennett -
"A goal of the B.C. government is to support actions that make our communities favourable to growth and development. Transferring this land will not only correct a past oversight, but provide for the future expansion of the airport which plays a central role in the vitality of the town and surrounding regions."
Mayor of Princeton Frank Armitage -
"We are grateful to the B.C. government for this Crown land grant to the Town of Princeton. Our town is one of the main gateways into the B.C. Southern Interior. This land transfer enables the expansion of our airport, which will enhance access to our community - making it more inviting to visitors and helping us boost our economy in the tourism and business sectors."
Quick Facts:
Learn More:
For more information on sponsored Crown grants and nominal rent tenures and links to other sites with information, visit:http://www.cscd.gov.bc.ca/lgd/gov_structure/sponsored_crown_grants/index.htm
Contact:
Matt Gordon
Communications Director
Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250 953-3677
The B.C. government is increasing support for the scholarship program from $150,000 to $750,000 this year. As a result, the number of scholarships granted to British Columbians studying the arts could more than triple, from about 50 to as high as 175. The new funding increases the maximum value of the scholarships from $4,000 to $6,000.
The BC Arts Council, government's key development and funding agency for the arts, grants scholarships to help B.C. students attend prestigious art schools and universities in the province, across Canada and worldwide. British Columbia residents entering a full-time degree or diploma program in a range of disciplines can apply for a scholarship. The application deadline is April 30, 2013.
For more information about qualifications and how to apply, visit: http://www.bcartscouncil.ca/guidelines/artists/youth/scholarship_awards.html
Scholarship recipients from previous years have achieved success and acclaim in the arts, including:
B.C. government funding for the BC Arts Council in 2013-14 will reach a record high of $24 million - up from $16.8 million last year. More arts scholarships will support BC Creative Futures, the B.C. government's strategy to foster creativity and help British Columbia's creative industries continue to grow.
Quotes:
Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Bill Bennett -
"By establishing more opportunities for artistically gifted young people to maximize their talents, we are helping B.C.'s emerging creative leaders bring fresh energy and ideas to the creative industries in our province. The scholarship program will help the arts continue to play a dynamic role in British Columbia's economy and community life."
BC Arts Council chair Stan Hamilton -
"The BC Arts Council Scholarship Program has helped many young, talented British Columbians benefit from studying at the best arts schools and universities in the world. The outstanding success of our scholarship recipients over the years shows the significant contribution this program makes to arts and culture in British Columbia. I encourage B.C.'s young artists to take advantage of the program's increased capacity and consider applying for a scholarship."
Quick Facts:
Learn More:
For a list of all recipients included in the latest round of BC Arts Council grants, visit: http://www.bcartscouncil.ca/mediaroom/recipients.htm
Check out the provincial government's role in supporting sport, arts and culture through the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development at: http://www.gov.bc.ca/cscd
Learn about BC Creative Futures at: http://www.cscd.gov.bc.ca/arts_culture/bccf.htm
Contact:
Matt Gordon
Communications Director
Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250 896-4923 (cell)