Image Credit: Flickr / Government of B.C.

By Victor Kaisar

Civil Forfeiture Grants

Several Kamloops-area programs getting funding from B.C. Civil Forfeiture Grant program

Jun 5, 2025 | 3:05 PM

KAMLOOPS — The B.C. government says a number of initiatives in the Kamloops area will benefit from a provincial grant that is aimed at preventing crime, advancing healing and enhancing public safety.

The B.C. Ministry of Public Safety said Thursday (June 5) it is providing $7.5-million in grants towards 166 community-led initiatives across the province though the Civil Forfeiture Grant program.

It said that program addresses crime at its roots and supports public safety projects by converting forfeited assets that were the instruments or proceeds of unlawful activity.

“Community safety is one of our top priorities and a key part of that is ensuring organizations working in our communities have the resources they need to effect change,” Garry Begg, B.C.’s Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, said in a statement.

“Whether it’s helping youth, preventing gender-based violence or supporting Indigenous healing, these investments are empowering communities to implement community-based initiatives that enhance safety.”

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The Big Bear Child and Youth Advocacy Centre in Kamloops is getting $140,000, which will help it provide coordination and support services to people under the age of 19 and their families when they’re involved in the criminal justice system.

The Connective Support Society Kamloops is getting $39,159 toward a project called STOP, an intimate relationship violence prevention and counseling program for men who are at risk of, or are currently using, violence in relationships.

The Kamloops Sexual Assault Counselling Centre Society is also getting $39,036 towards a program that will deliver peer support for sex workers. It will aim to build on existing initiatives.

Elsewhere, the City of Merritt is also getting $40,000 for the Empowerment and Awareness: Resiliency and Self-Defense program which targets Indigenous women and men, 2SLGBTQIA+ people and young adults between the age of 15 and 35.

“This program will run twice, each for 12 weeks, with a two-hour workshop each week to educate participants about gender-based violence, build practical intervention skills, provide a safe space and inspire community advocacy,” the province said. “It aims to support survivors, reduce violence and foster a culture of safety and respect.”

The Nicola Valley Community Human Services Association is also getting $40,000 for the Nicola Family Therapy’s Men’s Counselling Program, which will deliver up to 15 individual trauma-based counselling sessions for men people who have used or are at risk of using violence in their intimate partner relationships.

A number of Vernon and Okanagan-area initiatives are also getting funding through the program.

In addition, the province says approximately $900,000 will go toward specialized police equipment and training to law enforcement agencies across the province. It said 118 projects will benefit from this funding, with a focus on community safety, prevention and crime-reduction initiatives.

For a full list of grant recipients, go here.