Government of Canada making investments across British Columbia to refresh community spaces, attract new visitors, and stimulate local economies
August 23, 2022 - Prince Rupert, British Columbia - Pacific Economic Development Canada
Safe and inclusive public spaces and robust tourism attractions are key to building vibrant communities. They bring together people of all ages and abilities, supporting businesses and boosting economic vitality. Throughout northern British Columbia, communities are ready to welcome back residents and visitors to enjoy accessible public spaces and new and improved tourism experiences.
Upgrading existing infrastructure and building new public assets will help municipalities across British Columbia provide better access to recreational programs and facilities, growing economic opportunities, creating jobs, and improving community wellness.
Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), announced an investment of over $2.6 million through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF) for eight projects, and $297,498 through the Tourism Relief Fund (TRF) for three projects, located throughout northern British Columbia.
These investments will enable the upgrade of public spaces and enhancement of tourism experiences in many communities spanning from Smithers and Hazelton, from Prince Rupert to Haida Gwaii, and more.
The Kaien Island Trail Enhancement and Recreation Society, who hosted today's event, are receiving $500,000 in CCRF funding.
With this funding, the Society will design and construct the Cloudberry Trail. The project will create a multi-use pathway away from busy roadways that will provide safe access for people of all abilities, as an expansion of the Kaien Island Trail network. It will also create opportunities for local businesses.
For the full list of projects announced today, please see backgrounder [hyperlink].
The CCRF and TRF programs both launched in the summer of 2021. The CCRF provides $500 million over two years to Canada's regional development agencies (RDAs) to invest in projects that build and improve community infrastructure, making public spaces safer, greener and more accessible.
The TRF provides $500 million over two years to RDAs and Innovation Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) to support tourism businesses and organizations with adapting their operations to meet public health requirements, while investing in products and services to facilitate future growth.
