The West Shore RCMP’s community policing advisory committee (CPAC) kicked off the new year with a new initiative that pays dividends to deserving groups in need of funding.
CPAC was originally formed to provide a forum for local municipalities and various community groups and organizations served by the West Shore RCMP detachment to discuss policing procedures, address public concerns, and exchange information aimed at increasing public safety
In late 2010, former community policing head Cpl. Scott Hilderley approached the participating municipalities about building a fund using a small percentage of the revenue the detachment collects to fund initiatives that would make a positive impact in the community.
Langford signed on immediately, with View Royal and Colwood adding their endorsement in 2011.
The first two grants of $500 were issued in January to Pacific Family Services for an after-school drop-in and a new program for youth at risk at Pacific Secondary.
Island Sexual Health received a $500 grant for the Belmont Health Clinic, and the Juan de Fuca 55+ Senior Citizens Association received $500 for a HAM radio to augment emergency preparedness capabilities.
West Shore RCMP Cpl. Kathy Rochlitz said Langford, Colwood and View Royal deserve credit for making the funding available to CPAC.
“This is great news for groups that assist people in our community in many different ways,” said Rochlitz, head of the community policing section.
View Royal’s CPAC representative, Coun. Heidi Rast, said it’s good to see municipalities supporting an advisory committee such as CPAC, which enables grants to worthy groups that make a significant positive difference on the West Shore.
“It’s nice being involved in a non-political group that has a sense of empowerment,” said Rast, who sits on the CPAC grant sub-committee.
Langford Coun. Lillian Szpak, a former CPAC member, said she fully supports the new CPAC initiative.
“I like the diversity of people and range of ages that are benefitting from the grants,” said Szpak, chair of Langford’s protective services committee. “The committee has done a great job of identifying organizations that will use the funding to make a positive impact in their community.”
The next call for proposals ends Feb. 29. Contact Rochlitz at 250-474-2664 for more information on CPAC grant funding.
Rick.Stiebel@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
—Rick Stiebel is the Langford-RCMP community liaison.