Tofino is looking to its past to help shape its future as its historic Main Street undergoes a major revitalization.

The first phase of the Main Street revitalization project will start in early February. The project is being supported by almost $310,000 of the Province’s Resort Municipality Initiative (RMI) funding. The RMI program helps to grow the tourism sector in 14 eligible B.C. resort municipalities.

The goal of the revitalization is to bring more action back to Tofino’s historic downtown - near the water, where historical buildings remain in the commercial hub that runs from First Street to Fourth Street. These improvements will create a more walkable, bikeable and inclusive downtown by adding new boardwalks, sidewalks and benches. New landscaping will also encourage people to explore downtown by exploring local history and water views in addition to eating at local restaurants and shopping at nearby businesses. The changes will enhance the visitor experience in Tofino, encourage people to stay longer and to return to the popular resort destination.

As a key sector in the BC Jobs Plan, tourism is a key economic driver in the province. British Columbia’s tourism sector is strong and growing amid fierce global competition for tourists.

British Columbia has more than 19,200 tourism-related businesses. Over 17,000 (almost 93%) of these are small businesses. In 2013, the tourism industry generated $13.9 billion in revenue with a direct contribution to B.C.’s gross domestic product of $7.3 billion.

(flickr.com)

Quotes:

Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour –

"Tofino is one of B.C.’s top tourism destinations. Visitors from around the world come to the region to see its beautiful beaches and to enjoy its world-class restaurants and resorts. The Province wants to ensure that B.C.’s tourism industry delivers on visitor’s expectations. With this in mind, we’re pleased to support the Tofino project. These enhancements will no doubt encourage people to spend some extra time exploring the area and to return to this amazing corner of B.C.”

Josie Osborne, mayor of Tofino –

“The Resort Municipality Initiative program has made it possible to invest in infrastructure and amenities that help build a more liveable and lively community. It's so much easier to welcome visitors and provide them with the best experience possible with the safer streets and sidewalks and an appealing and engaging downtown that promotes our local history.”

Quick Facts:

• The B.C. government invests $10.5 million annually through RMI for tourism infrastructure and amenities in 14 eligible resort communities.
• Communities use this funding to enhance infrastructure, events and programs that are crucial to growing their tourism sectors which drive their economies.
• The Province invests more than $90 million annually in the tourism sector across every region to grow and market the sector.
• The BC Jobs Plan builds on the strengths of our key sectors and our educated and skilled workforce, keeping the province diverse, strong and growing.

Learn More:

District of Tofino RMI Information: http://www.tofino.ca/content/rmi-services

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

To find out more about the BC Jobs Plan, visit: http://engage.gov.bc.ca/bcjobsplan/