QUESNEL - Government funding will support community lifestyle and heritage projects in Quesnel and surrounding area, said Pat Bell, MLA Prince George-MacKenzie, on behalf of Minister for Community, Sport and Cultural Development Bill Bennett.

Two well-used local facilities, the Alex Fraser Park and the Quesnel and District Museum and Archives, plus the much-loved annual Billy Barker Days Festival will benefit from $105,000 in B.C. government grants. Funding will be distributed this spring as follows:

• Through cost-sharing with the City of Quesnel and the Cariboo Regional District, a roof will be built over the major compost area and snow stops built on the roof of the Agriplex - $75,000.
• To help fund the 40th annual celebration of the history of the Cariboo Gold Rush - Billy Barker Days, July 18 - 21, 2013 - $25,000.
• To help preserve the archives at the Quesnel and District Museum - $5,000.

Quotes: 

Bill Bennett, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development -

"Coming from a smaller community myself, I know the heart of a community rests in what matters most to the people that live there. I wish the people of Quesnel the very best as they work to make their community even more of a hometown that evokes pride and ownership."

Pat Bell, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training -

"As one of the central interior's oldest cities, Quesnel has much to offer. I'm very pleased that my government is able to support these important projects here in Quesnel. B.C.'s agricultural tradition deserves to be respected and preserved. Quesnel is using the funding to help preserve the community's unique history and to build a bright future."

Mary Sjostrom, Mayor of Quesnel -

"On behalf of Quesnel City Council and the Cariboo Regional District, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Minister Bennett and the Province of British Columbia for this generous donation. This contribution is significant in that the funds will assist in the safety and longevity of existing assets, historic preservation and the celebration of events and Quesnel is grateful to be recognized."

Quick Facts:

For more information about Billy Barker Days: http://www.hellobc.com/servicefelisting/4556563/billy-barker-days-festival.aspx

Contact:

Matt Gordon
Communications Director
Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250 953-3677 (office)
250 896-4923 (mobile)