B.C.’s Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport Feb. 4 announced more than 50 new tourism projects throughout B.C. are receiving a total of $21.3 million for shovel-ready infrastructure projects.

Included in that funding is the Fernie Nordic Society, which is receiving $822,500 for the Elk Valley Nordic Centre Trailhead Enhancement Project, creating dedicated parking, washroom facilities and a multipurpose trailhead facility.

These projects are part of the second round of the 2021 Community Economic Recovery Infrastructure Program’s (CERIP) Destination Development stream.

In February 2021, in response to the pandemic and through StrongerBC, the province provided $20 million for 54 projects specifically for tourism through the first round of CERIP. The second investment of $21.3 million in 2022 doubles this, providing a total of $41.3 million for the tourism ecosystem for more than 100 projects.

“We know tourism infrastructure is a priority for communities. Today, we are responding to this call to action from the sector that will further support its recovery efforts from the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Melanie Mark, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “Our investment in tourism creates good-paying jobs that directly support local economies now and will elevate our reputation as a world-class destination for the many visitors looking to return to B.C. for years to come.”

The province is investing an additional $30 million in taxpayer funds over the next two years to continue investing in tourism infrastructure throughout the province.

These funds will strengthen tourism growth and develop emerging tourism opportunities, stimulating the recovery of B.C.’s post-pandemic visitor economy. Continued investments in destination development will increase employment and job creation, and establish more livable communities while enhancing residents’ quality of life and visitors’ experiences, the ministry noted in a media release.

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 Indigenous Peoples. Eligible applicants included local governments, First Nations and non-profit organizations.

The $21.3 million provided in the second round of funding supports: nine projects in the Kootenay Rockies region; one infrastructure project in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast region; six in the Northern British Columbia region; 11 in the Thompson Okanagan region; 15 in the Vancouver Coast & Mountains region and 10 in the Vancouver Island region.

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