New funding will help build community economic recovery
B.C. providing $71.3 million for new tourism projects
Glen Korstrom
Western Investor
Latest round of ‘recovery’ cheques worth more than $21 million now being sent to 50 groups
A skier enjoys a day at Hudson Bay Mountain Resort, where new funding will help build a winter events centre | submitted
Latest round of ‘recovery’ cheques worth more than $21 million now being sent to 50 groups
The B.C. government is sending out cheques for a combined total of $21.3 million, to help fund 50 new tourism projects.
The money is part of its previously announced Community Economic Recovery Infrastructure Program, which doled out $20 million for 54 projects last year.
Victoria plans to spend an additional $30 million in the next two years to help fund more tourism projects, bringing the program’s total investment to $71.3 million.
B.C. had previously said that it would spend up to $90 million on the program.
Examples of approved projects include an Indigenous campground development, trail upgrades to accommodate adapted mountain bikes and wheelchairs, arts and culture event space, and beautification and signage projects.
Projects were approved based on what the government deemed to be demonstrated tourism benefits to communities and residents, and the money will help employers pay workers.
One of the grants, for example, is going to the Smithers Ski and Snowboard Club.
That club’s president, Cormac Hikisch, said the money will help “establish a winter sports events centre at Hudson Bay Mountain Resort for alpine ski and snowboard competitions.”
Over at the Red Mountain Racers Society, president Jane Paterson said funding from the program will help it “construct a new race office and timing facility, International Ski Federation-level T-bar lighting and the expansion of snowmaking to our ski cross course.”
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