The stars have aligned for the Community Centre’s recently-launched capital funding campaign.
At the Union of BC Municipalities convention on September 12, B.C. Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Selina Robinson, announced $134 million in funding for community, culture and recreation. The funding is through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.
“Bowen Island Municipality can now apply for funding that will pay up to 73 per cent of the costs of building a community centre and space for arts and culture,” reads a press release from BIM. “Our community has a short window of opportunity to take advantage of this grant program to realize one of its long-held dreams.
The Community Centre has a budget of around $14 million, a significant portion of which they hope to receive through provincial and federal grants.
“The grant application – with a deadline of January 23, 2019 – must clearly demonstrate community support for the project to be considered for eligible funding,” reads the BIM press release. “Meeting - or better, exceeding - the fundraising target, through immediate or pledged donations, is an excellent way to show that the community supports the Bowen Island Community Centre.
“Writing letters of support, participating in fundraising events, advocating for the Community Centre and even taking selfies on social media (hashtag #bowenislandcommunitycentre) will help as BIM gathers the necessary documentation.
“For decades, Islanders have envisioned a place where community can better flourish, and lives are enriched in multiple and profound ways. Now, we are within reach of realizing that vision.”
More information is at www.ourislandplace.com.
