Recent federal funding to help pay for festivals, arts programs and centennial celebrations in the Tri-Cities was confirmed by Canada's heritage minister - and the area's MP - this week.
On Wednesday, Port Moody-Westwood-Port Moody Conservative MP James Moore re-announced the $1.6 million in grants that have already been doled out to local organizations such as Place des Arts, the Port Moody Arts Centre Society and Société francophone de Maillardville.
Many of the special events and projects that got the federal cash are currently underway or have since wrapped up.
Among those at the press conference at Port Moody city hall to thank Moore for his support were Coquitlam Mayor Richard Stewart, Port Moody Mayor Mike Clay and Port Coquitlam Coun. Darrell Penner. City councillors and civic staff as well as arts representatives were also invited.
"This means so much to our community," Penner said in a speech, of the funding his city received for the new heritage centre, May Day and the 100th anniversary events plus the Legion hall upgrades. "The arts and culture is so vital to the heart of our community. It defines us as a society."
And with the $166,000 Port Moody got to replace its recreation complex roof, Clay said his city can put municipal money into kids' programming instead.
The biggest winners in federal grants were for the Appleyard House in Port Moody ($448,785) and the Mackin and Cedar park renovations in Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam ($250,000 each).
PoCo and PoMo also received more than $100,000 each for their centennial celebrations this year. Moore said plans are underway by the federal government to mark Canada's 150th anniversary in four years.
