The Province's investment in its heritage sites supports economic development in communities:

• The Province owns 23 heritage sites, 11 of which are open to the public and operated by third-party community agencies under Heritage Site Management Agreements.
• The 11 managed sites include: Barkerville, Fort Steele Heritage Town, Keremeos Grist Mill, Historic Hat Creek Ranch, Kilby Historic Site, Point Ellice House, Cottonwood House, Craigflower Manor and Schoolhouse, Emily Carr House and Historic Yale.
• The provincial budget tabled on Feb. 21, 2012 includes a commitment of $21 million over the next three years for the maintenance and operation of provincial heritage sites. 
• The allocation for 2012-13 is $7.046 million, which will create an estimated 96 direct, full-time jobs.
• From 2009 to 2011-12 the Province committed more than $20 million to preserve, protect and manage these heritage properties - including $8.7 million over three years for Barkerville and Fort Steele to complete vital infrastructure upgrades.
• In addition, from 2009 to 2011, the Province invested $3.21 million from the Community Development Trust to employ over 125 workers to repair and maintain several heritage sites. 
• British Columbia's historic buildings, structures and cultural landscapes attract over 200,000 visitors annually from around the world, creating jobs for British Columbians and supporting sustainable communities.
  
• The Barkerville, Fort Steele and Fraser Valley heritage properties alone contribute approximately $32 million each year to the province's GDP, create more than 625 full-time jobs and raise more than $14 million in taxes for all levels of government.

Contact:
Vivian Thomas
Communications Manager
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 356-2475