A Port Coquitlam soccer club and two parent advisory groups are poised to split $21,150 in self-matching grants from the city.
Wednesday, the healthy community committee is set to recommend to council that PoCo Euro-Rite FC receive $5,650 for permanent soccer nets, the Westwood PAC be awarded $5,500 for more playground gear and the Castle Park PAC get $10,000 to build a learning garden.
Last year, council set aside $40,000 in its 2018 budget to distribute self-help matching grants. Since the program started in 2002, 36 organizations have benefitted from the fund, totalling $1.5 million for community work.
It’s the third time PoCo Euro-Rite has won municipal cash: the first time was in 2008 for goal nets and audio/visual equipment; the second go-round was in 2011 for a spectator cover at the Gates Park artificial field turf.
The Westwood project includes two new basketball hoops, three benches, and tables and chairs; it is also the third time to receive self-help money from the city.
And Castle Park’s funding is for the first phase of a new learning garden, designed for both students and the community; construction is due to start this summer if the grant is approved by city council. It is the fourth year the Castle Park PAC has been successful with its bid.
Two applications didn’t make the grade: Port Coquitlam Lions Club (a $600 request for five new signs to promote the organization around town) and Simply Ballet Performing Arts Society (a $10,000 ask for its production of Cinderella at the Terry Fox Theatre). Last month, the city turned down the society’s request for $10,000 from its Community Cultural Development Investment Program.
jcleugh@tricitynews.com
