Lower Fraser River residents are one step closer to being able to walk or ride from Hope to the Salish Sea, thanks to $1 million in provincial funding for Experience the Fraser.

Experience the Fraser is a unique vision to connect communities, parks, natural features, historic and cultural sites and other points of interest along the Lower Fraser River by means of 550 kilometres of trails and via the river itself. Today's funding will help Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley Regional District open new parkland, enhance riverfront access and park amenities along the river, and continue to build the Canyon to Coast Trail.

The partnership between the Province and the two regional districts demonstrates the ongoing commitment to build the Experience the Fraser vision and showcase the Lower Fraser River as a premier recreation, heritage and tourism destination.

Quotes:

Marc Dalton, MLA for Maple Ridge-Mission:

"Trails connect us as a community so it's been amazing to see Experience the Fraser come alive over the past three years. Experience the Fraser is a legacy project that highlights the natural beauty of the river and will benefit residents and visitors for generations to come."

Randy Hawes, MLA for Abbotsford-Mission:

"Experience the Fraser will provide recreational, educational, environmental and tourism opportunities for all British Columbians and tourists. Developing the full potential of this magnificent river and its heritage will connect our communities on both sides of the Fraser."

Greg Moore, Metro Vancouver chair:

"The Province's support helps Metro Vancouver advance Experience the Fraser by improving parks, trails and access to the river, which in turn encourages active and healthy living and connects communities to the Fraser. We hope these initiatives will inspire us to become better stewards of this working river and make the Lower Fraser one of the world's great river destinations."

Sharon Gaetz, Fraser Valley Regional District chair:

"We have a vision and a dream. We are working together to create a lasting legacy for generations to come."

Quick Facts:

• In 2009, the Province provided $2.5 million to develop the Experience the Fraser Concept Plan and build two demonstration projects.
• The demonstration project at Derby Reach Regional Park provided a key segment of trail linking historic Fort Langley and the Golden Ears Bridge. The Mission Waterfront demonstration project created a new riverfront park.
• At a November 2011 workshop, representatives from over 50 organizations expressed overwhelming support for Experience the Fraser, as well as tourism and recreation benefits.

Learn More:

Visit www.metrovancouver.org or www.fvrd.bc.ca and search Experience the Fraser.

Contact:

Melissa Peters
Government Communications
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 213-1634

Bill Morrell
Media Relations and Corporate Communications
Metro Vancouver
604 451-6107

George Murray
Chief Administrative Officer
Fraser Valley Regional District
604 702-5033