Langley Township council has approved over $350,000 in grants to local community groups.
Council awarded 94 community grants worth a total of $267,650 and 10 new capital improvement grants for a total of $69,600.
Recipients included service clubs, business associations, equestrian societies, animal care supporters, and organizations that promote wellness and education.
The money will provide classes for at-risk youth, support for arts and culture initiatives as well as health and wellness, education, anti-bullying, and outreach programs. It will also fund community gardens and environment stewardship groups.
Capital improvement funding will cover washroom upgrades, wheel chair ramp installations, kitchen repairs, and new flooring at several community halls, the BC Farm Machinery and Agricultural Museum, Brookswood Seniors Centre, Fort Langley Lions Seniors Hall, and the Langley Playhouse.
Council approved $17,000 in student scholarships, with two $1,000 awards going to each of the eight Township high schools and $1,000 to Apex Secondary. Each Township high school hosting a dry grad event also received $250.
Canada Day, Aldergrove Festival Days, and International Festival events each received $10,000 and the Fort Langley Cranberry Festival will get $5,000.
The Fort Langley, Brookswood, and Aldergrove communities also received banner grants totaling $16,500 to design and install community-focused street banners.
A total of $35,000 was put towards the “Nothing Without Effort” initiative which makes $5,000 available to each of the Township’s six communities plus the rural region for beautification efforts.
“There are so many worthy organizations that are dedicated to helping people in need, caring for our environment, preserving our heritage, and ensuring our community thrives,” Mayor Jack Froese said.
“The funding provided by these grants will help these groups continue to make life in Langley better for everyone.”
Township Recreation, Culture, and Parks director David Leavers, who oversees the community grant program, said it was appropriate that the funding announcement was made in April, which is designated as National Volunteer Month.
“We are always impressed by calibre of the groups that apply and the breadth of service they provide to the community,” Leavers said.
“We are happy to provide this funding as a way of showing our appreciation and support.”