Whereas communities under 10,000 in British Columbia have limited opportunities to access funding for programs and services related to arts and culture, sport, public safety, environment and social services; And whereas larger communities are able to access gaming revenue from gambling facilities; And whereas residents of smaller communities utilize and participate in the British Columbia Lottery Corporation without benefit to their communities: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM urge the provincial government to make available new gaming grant funding for those communities under 10,000 for programs and services related to arts and culture, sport, public safety, environment and social services, and further that this new funding not decrease existing gaming revenue provided to local governments by gambling facilities within their jurisdiction.
Ministry of Municipal Affairs Money generated by gambling in British Columbia is used to provide key services and support economic development in local communities throughout British Columbia. In recent non-COVID years, more than 1 billion of gambling revenue was generated annually, helping to fund health care, education and community programs across BC. A portion of gambling revenue is shared directly with 34 local governments that host casinos and community gambling centres in in their jurisdiction they receive 10 of net gaming income. A greater portion, 140 million annually, is distributed to not-for-profit organizations that deliver programs to communities across British Columbia, through the Community Gaming Grants program CGG. These grants ensure British Columbians from all regions of the province, including communities under 10,000, have access to programs and services that improve their quality of life, support local needs and build vibrant communities. Organizations eligible for gaming grants must be a non-profit delivering programs with community benefit. CGG are only intended to support volunteer-driven organizations, which at its core is demonstrated by non-remunerated board positions. Municipalities are not eligible to apply for gaming grants as they are not volunteer-driven organizations. Not-for-profit organizations are found in all communities and CGG does not earmark funds by location, sector or size. All eligible not-for-profit organizations with programs meeting the CGG requirements receive some level of funding. About 90 of all applicants receive some level of funding. Across BC, Community Gaming Grants are provided to over 5000 organizations. Communities under 10,000 can encourage local not-for-profits to apply for gaming grants. If they need further information about the CGG program, they can contact the Community Gaming Grants Branch of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs to discuss any questions they may have.