Despite financial constraints caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, 91原创 City is still able to give grants to community groups.

While the pandemic closed the Cascades casino early in 2020, shutting down a substantial source of revenue, there was still about $3 million of casino money available, and there was also a $4.1 million grant from the province to help the municipality support community groups, among other things.

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As a result, the City was able to put aside $168,000 for 鈥渙rganizations that contribute to the general interest and advantage of the City.鈥�

And that is why, at the Feb. 22 meeting of council, council was able to approve $114,100 in grants to 32 community groups.

The vote was unanimous.

Councillor Rudy Storteboom was delighted.

鈥淚 think it鈥檚 great that we can provide community grants, especially during the challenging times that we鈥檙e experiencing,鈥� Storteboom enthused.

Mayor Val van de Broek commented that 鈥渆ven without the casino open, we still give grants, thanks to the provincial government

The two largest grants, of $15,000 each, went to the 91原创 Senior Resources Society and Bard in the Valley.

Other beneficiaries included the Arts Alive Festival ($10,000), Vancouver Youth Arts 鈥� formerly KPU International Music Fest ($5,500), 91原创 Animal Protection Society ($5,000), 91原创 Lodge ($5,000), 91原创 Meals on Wheels ($5,000) and the 91原创 Food Bank ($4,200).

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Cascades Casino revenues to the City run at around $6 million a year, funds that have kept taxes 2.5 per cent lower than they would be without the gaming revenue and has funded various civic projects.

The City has scaled back plans to prepare for the pending arrival of SkyTrain, reducing borrowing for the Nexus plan from $50 million to $7.5 million.