The first phase of improvements to the waterfront Gyro Beach area in Osoyoos is complete in time for the summer season. The $600,000 Phase A includes construction of a lighted stone walkway, boardwalk, extended grassy areas, tables, benches, trees and extensive landscaping.

Phase B of the project, an extension of the stone walkway, is scheduled for completion in the fall of 2015. The improvements will be enjoyed by both locals and visitors to the town of Osoyoos, where tourism is a major economic driver.

The $10.5 million a year Resort Municipality Initiative (RMI) funding program managed by the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training helps small, tourism-based municipalities attract visitors. This is the largest RMI project to date in Osoyoos.

Other communities that participate in the RMI program include Fernie, Golden, Harrison Hot Springs, Invermere, Kimberley, Radium Hot Springs, Revelstoke, Rossland, Sun Peaks, Tofino, Ucluelet, Valemount and Whistler. Previous projects in Osoyoos include the $365,000 new concession and washroom facility in 2012 and a contribution of $300,000 into the Desert Sunrise Marina.

To keep our economy diverse, strong and growing, since September 2011 the BC Jobs Plan has been building on the strengths of eight of our province’s key sectors using our educated and skilled workforce. B.C.’s tourism sector is one of the eight key sectors identified in the BC Jobs Plan, creating more than 132,200 jobs and $13.9 billion in revenues throughout the province in 2013. Since RMI inception in 2007, over $87.6 million has been invested in tourism infrastructure and programs to support local and regional tourism economies in the 14 participating communities.

Quotes:

Linda Larson, MLA for Boundary-Similkameen -

“Tourism is a major driver of the economy in Osooyos and these improvements to Gyro Park will greatly enhance visitors’ perceptions of the community. Making our tourism amenities even more attractive and enticing ensures many more visitors will come and see what our region has to offer.”

Sue McKortoff, Mayor of Osoyoos -

“The Gyro Park Phase A project is a needed improvement to our waterfront/Gyro Beach area. Thanks to the RMI funding, we are happy to have this portion completed for the 2015 summer season. It will be enjoyed by locals and visitors who use the beach, and enjoy the special events scheduled there - including Cactus Jalopies Car Show, Canada Day Cherry Fiesta and Music in the Park.”

Quick Facts:

• Tourism is one of the largest industries in the province with over 19,200 businesses. It accounted for $7.3 billion (4%) of B.C.’s overall GDP in 2013.
• This announcement is another step toward fulfilling our BC Jobs Plan commitment to assist more than 100 communities and 19 industry sectors to develop and/or promote world-class visitor experiences.
• Osoyoos is a town in the South Okanagan surrounded by the only living desert in Canada and home to the warmest fresh water lake in the country.
• Osoyoos grows award winning bottled wine and is home to many wineries.

Learn More:

To learn more about the RMI program, please visit: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/topic.page?id=30A40BDA6D8346798E15C6050063F719

Osoyoos Tourism: http://www.destinationosoyoos.com/

BC Jobs Plan: http://www.bcjobsplan.ca/

Media Contacts:

Media Relations
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Responsible for Labour
250 387-2799