Premier Christy Clark announced $2.4 million today to support Barkerville's operations as Western North America's largest historic site.

"Our government is proud to support the preservation of Barkerville," said Premier Clark. "With more than 125 historic buildings, Barkerville is a great place for families to learn more about this important part of our history, and a fabulous destination for visitors to British Columbia."

Today's funding is part of $21 million over three years announced as part of Budget 2012 for the 11 provincial heritage properties, and provides support for both operations and maintenance of the sites. Each provincially owned property is operated by a site manager, such as the Barkerville Heritage Trust.

"We are delighted with this commitment to three-year funding," explained Sue Morhun, chair of Barkerville Heritage Trust. "Having financial certainty allows us to continue our stewardship of this world-class heritage attraction in the Cariboo."

This year Barkerville is celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Cariboo Gold Rush. In 1862, Billy Barker found gold at Williams Creek, a discovery that brought more than 100,000 people to the Cariboo between 1862 and 1870 to seek their fortune. In the 1860s Barkerville was the largest city west of Chicago and north of San Francisco and was instrumental in the founding of the Colony of British Columbia.

Barkerville is a provincially, nationally and internationally recognized historic site. It is located 80 km east of Quesnel. Barkerville's attractions include Theatre Royal shows, exhibits, entertaining street theatre during the summer, and unique Victorian-era shops.

(flickr.com)

Visit Barkerville this summer: http://www.barkerville.ca/

Media contacts:

Sara MacIntyre
Director of Communications
Office of the Premier
250 580-7701

Brennan Clarke
Media Relations
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 356-5261