Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport
The residents of Haida Gwaii will benefit from a total of $500,000 for two recreation projects that will help encourage physical fitness and provide more activity options for families, announced Ida Chong, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development.
Of this funding, $400,000 is going toward improvements at Queen Charlotte Community Park, including construction of a youth centre and community use facility, and an outdoor fitness track and covered gazebo area for seniors. The various improvements will enhance the park as a space for people of all ages in the communities of Queen Charlotte and Skidegate to exercise and socialize together.
The Skeena Queen Charlotte Regional District will benefit from $100,000 in funding to link the existing boardwalk on land to the blowhole on the beach in Naikoon Provincial Park. By providing universal access to the blowhole and beach at TowHill, an increase in visitors - both local and tourist - is expected.
Under the $30-million Community Recreation Program, the Province is funding up to 80 per cent of eligible costs for 98 projects that enhance recreation infrastructure provincewide. Projects include trails, bike paths, walkways, playgrounds and other indoor or outdoor recreation centres.
The total value of approved projects is more than $70 million, which will create an estimated 458 direct jobs and 251 indirect jobs.
Quote:
Ida Chong, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development -
"These investments will benefit both residents and the many visitors to Haida Gwaii. Encouraging healthy, safe physical activity is a priority for our Province, and projects like this go a long way towards getting people outside and staying fit."
Learn More:
For more information on the Community Recreation Program, go to:
http://www.cscd.gov.bc.ca/lgd/infra/infrastructure_grants/community_recreation_program.htm
Learn more about the British Columbia Recreation and Parks Association at:
Contact:
Gillian Rhodes
Communications Manager
Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250 888-1462
