The Government of Canada is making investments in tourism across British Columbia to attract visitors and drive local economic growth
British Columbia is home to breathtaking natural attractions and outdoor recreation experiences that bring the world to our doorstep. Tourism is important to Canada's economy and creates good jobs in communities, from major city centres to rural and remote areas, to Indigenous communities. In the Southern Interior, tourism business owners, operators and entrepreneurs have ambitious plans and PacifiCan is here to support those ambitions.
Today the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), announced over $2 million in PacifiCan funding through the Tourism Growth Program for 14 organizations based in B.C.'s Southern Interior. This investment will help enhance outdoor recreation, extend the tourism season, and attract visitors to smaller communities.
As part of today's announcement, the Black Jack Ski Club in Rossland will receive $250,000 to enhance the accessibility of its day lodge, expand its equipment rental service, and install interpretive signage. These upgrades will improve the visitor experience and transform the Club into a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
The Columbia Valley Greenways Trail Alliance is receiving $250,000 in PacifiCan funding to improve a four-kilometre section of the hiking and biking trail network in the Columbia Valley. The upgraded trail will increase access between Radium Hot Springs and Invermere, enhance accessibility for people of all ages and abilities, and encourage more visitors to explore the region's natural beauty. PacifiCan's investment will also facilitate planning for a safer, more accessible trail route between Radium and Kootenay National Park.
Niche Wine Company is receiving $240,000 to transform its West Kelowna winery into a vibrant micro-resort and agritourism destination for both residents and visitors. PacifiCan funding will help the Indigenous-owned winery develop curated cultural experiences, including elevated wine tastings and farm-to-table dining that showcase the rich agricultural traditions of the Okanagan Valley.
Other investments included in today's announcements are:
- $250,000 for CAPOW Guiding to improve infrastructure for its backcountry hiking tours near Revelstoke
- $174,000 for the City of Kelowna to expand air service at Kelowna International Airport and promote travel during the shoulder season
- $185,000 for Kartplex in Oliver to enhance its race-karting experience with new tracks, solar lighting and training simulators
- $110,000 for Kootenay Rockies Tourism to develop a marketing campaign to help attract more visitors to 20 rural communities along Highway 3
- $190,731 for the Shuswap Trail Alliance to improve a network of trails for mountain biking and hiking in the Shuswap region
- $39,000 for Sparwood Trails Alliance to expand the district's local trail network
- $18,950 for Trails to the Boundary Society to enhance its guided bike tours in Rock Creek
- $42,000 for the Village of Nakusp to improve accessibility on the Nakusp Hot Springs Trail
- $75,000 for Wettstone Guest Ranch to winterize its cabins in the South Cariboo
- $62,108 for Yahk Soap & Candle Co. to upgrade its cafe and kitchen at Two Scoop Steve in the community of Yahk
- $130,000 for ZipZone Peachland to enhance its zipline experience and climbing wall to facilitate larger groups
Projects like the ones announced today deliver memorable experiences for Canadian and international visitors alike. They create jobs, grow the local economy, enrich communities, and put B.C. on the map as a destination of choice.
