Home »
$1.25 million targeted for three tourist destinations
Three East Kootenay tourism attractions are receiving funds from B.C.’s Community Economic Recovery Infrastructure Program’s (CERIP) destination development stream.
In total, 54 new tourism projects throughout B.C. are receiving $20 million, including $3,240,554 to eight projects in Kootenay Rockies Tourism’s area, which includes the East Kootenay.
Regionally, Panorama Foundation Society’s Panorama National Alpine Training Centre is getting $863,730 for snowmaking and safety infrastructure.
The Rotary Club of Kimberley and BC Trust Foundation is receiving $208,950 for a Marysville Falls walkway rebuild/replacement.
And the Cranbrook Community Forest Society’s Eager Hill Green Trail development is getting $175,512 to build a multi-user trail with concrete outhouse, welcome kiosk with map and bear-proof garbage.
The destination development funding invests in implementation-ready tourism infrastructure and amenities projects that support the recovery and resilience of tourism. It creates jobs and develops infrastructure that will attract visitors to B.C. communities when travel resumes. Approved projects include campground and recreational-vehicle site development, alpine and mountain bike trails, boat launch upgrades, construction and/or renovations of visitor amenities and Indigenous interpretive centres.
“Our laser focus right now is on helping people and businesses during the pandemic, while making sure we’re ready to welcome visitors and explore B.C. when it is safe to do so,” said Melanie Mark, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “Investing in community-based tourism infrastructure not only creates good-paying jobs, it also helps to rebuild this hard-hit industry and ensures B.C.’s reputation as a world-class travel destination remains strong.”
Funding for the destination development stream of the CERIP totals $20 million. Funding from the ministries of Municipal Affairs and Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development also includes projects that support the tourism sector. An additional $34.5 million has been allocated for 95 tourism-related projects from these other CERIP funding streams, totalling almost $55 million toward tourism resiliency and development throughout B.C.
Successful projects were chosen for their demonstrated tourism benefits to communities and British Columbians, along with new jobs, many of which will provide employment for apprentices, youth, new Canadians, women and First Nations. Eligible applicants included local governments, First Nations and non-profit organizations, a B.C. government media release explained.
Lead image: Panorama Mountain Resort. e-KNOW file photos
e-KNOW
