Joint BCMA and Government of British Columbia News Release, April 2, 2017:

SURREY – More than 220 projects in 150 communities throughout British Columbia are receiving a total of $7.6 million in B.C. | Canada 150 grants, Stephanie Cadieux, MLA for Surrey-Cloverdale announced today at the Fraser Valley Heritage Railway Society on behalf of Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development Peter Fassbender.

Administered by the BC Museums Association and supported by Heritage BC with funding provided by the Government of British Columbia, the B.C. | Canada 150 program was launched to mark the 150th anniversary of Canada’s Confederation by recognizing B.C. communities and their contributions to the nation. Projects funded through the program will create meaningful legacies that honour the province’s unique and diverse histories, culture and heritage.

Among the recipients, the Fraser Valley Heritage Railway Society is receiving $50,000 for the restoration and rehabilitation of the mechanical components of the Royal ‘Connaught’ interurban car.

Other funded projects include:

• $50,000 for Nuyumbalees Cultural Centre on Quadra Island for their g^elakasdax^la lilkila’e Welcome Everyone Project to commission a new set of three Welcome Poles to be placed in Quathiaski Cove at the Ferry Terminal and Marina.
• $100,000 for the Creating Homefulness Society/Woodwynn Farms in Brentwood Bay to repair and restore its East Barn to ensure the heritage-designated building upholds the integrity of the cultural landscape and continues to be used year-round within the therapeutic Woodwynn community.
• $1,500 for Rosswood Community Association for installation of a sign along the Nisga’a Highway outlining the history of the community of Rosswood and Kitsumkalum Lake.
• $20,000 for the Greater Vancouver Japanese Canadian Citizens’ Association for research at Libraries and Archives Canada to uncover records of Japanese-Canadian detainees of Hastings Park in Vancouver from 1942 to 1943, and provide public access to this information.

These one-time grants of up to $100,000 are awarded to organizations responsible for a museum, archive or historic place, including not-for-profit organizations, First Nations Band Councils, Aboriginal Friendship Centres, local governments and post-secondary institutions.

Quotes:

Stephanie Cadieux, MLA for Surrey-Cloverdale –

“Landmark anniversaries provide an opportunity to honour our past, reflect on our present and plan for our future. Thanks to B.C. | Canada 150 funding, cultural organizations throughout the province are undertaking an impressive range of projects that recognize our diverse cultures and rich histories. We congratulate the recipients and recognize the countless volunteers who contribute their time and talents, day in and day out, to supporting the success of these organizations.”

David Alexander, president, British Columbia Museums Association –

“We are truly excited about the lasting legacies that will be created through this funding. Through this investment, culture and heritage will be honoured today and enjoyed by future generations. B.C.’s museums and heritage sector – which contributes greatly to our province’s economy and quality of life – will also be strengthened.”

Gord Macdonald, chair, Heritage BC –

“The breadth and diversity of the funded projects are remarkable. There is no doubt, this investment will stimulate conservation work in every region of the province. The benefits are numerous, including jobs today and a lasting legacy for future generations. This is exactly what the heritage community in B.C. needs right now!”

Quick Facts:

• 2017 marks the 150th anniversary of the Confederation of Canada.
• A range of activities are planned across the country at local, regional and national levels throughout 2017 to celebrate Canada 150.
• Federal funding related to Canada 150 is supporting local, regional and national celebrations, small-scale community grants, and community infrastructure projects.
• The main themes of the Government of Canada’s vision for the 150th anniversary of Confederation are diversity and inclusion, reconciliation from nation to nation with Indigenous peoples, the environment and youth.
• In addition to British Columbia | Canada 150: Celebrating B.C. Communities and their Contributions to Canada, the Province is also marking Canada 150 by having committed $2 million to the Royal BC Museum to support interested Aboriginal peoples in B.C. seeking the return of their ancestral remains and belongings of cultural significance.
• The B.C. government is providing a $1-million grant to its Crown agency, Knowledge Network, to fund the British Columbia Documentary History Project. The project includes a documentary series and 150 documentary short stories that will commemorate the 150th anniversary of B.C.’s entry into Confederation in 2021, and will see Knowledge Network contributing an additional $1.1 million to the production.
• The British Columbia Museums Association is the professional association for the museum and gallery sector. It has an extensive membership throughout B.C., ranging from major museums, to historic and heritage sites, to independent galleries and local and city archives, as well as industry connections nationally and internationally.
• Heritage BC is a charitable not-for-profit supporting heritage conservation throughout British Columbia through education, training and skills development, capacity building in heritage planning and funding through the Heritage Legacy Fund. It focuses on building links between heritage conservation and tourism, economic and environmental sustainability, community pride and an appreciation of our common history.

Learn More:

For a full list of recipients: http://museumsassn.bc.ca/awards/grants/british-columbia-canada-150/

Canada 150: http://canada.pch.gc.ca/canada150

British Columbia Museums Association: http://museumsassn.bc.ca/

Heritage BC: http://www.heritagebc.ca/

Government of British Columbia, Celebrating British Columbia: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/celebrating-british-columbia/british-columbia-canada-150