Just in time for Tourism Week, the Village of Valemount is celebrating the opening of the new Cranberry Marsh boardwalk thanks in part to $291,120 in Resort Municipality Initiative (RMI) funding.

The full Cranberry Marsh Trail Loop includes about 350 meters of trail and 570 meters of boardwalk and will be a significant draw for both local visitors and tourists.

The RMI is a $10.5 million a year program that helps resort-oriented municipalities develop and enhance tourism infrastructure and amenities. RMI communities are Valemount, Fernie, Kimberley, Golden, Harrison Hot Springs, Invermere, Osoyoos, Radium Hot Springs, Revelstoke, Rossland, Sun Peaks, Tofino, Ucluelet and Whistler.

Since RMI inception in 2006, over $98.1 million has been invested in tourism infrastructure and programs to support local and regional tourism economies in the 14 participating communities.

Quotes:

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

“The Cranberry Marsh Loop has been a labour of love for many people in Valemount and I’m proud the province could be a partner in this important project. The project provides an accessible look at the stunning landscape of this region and is a perfect example of the Province’s Resort Municipality Initiative enhancing the world-class tourism experience in British Columbia. The Cranberry Marsh has potential to attract additional tourists to the region and diversify the economy of the Robson Valley.”

Jeannette Townsend, mayor of Valemount –

“Through the RMI funding support and the great work of several volunteers, the completion of the Cranberry Marsh Trail and Boardwalk helps to strengthen the Valemount experience both for visitors and residents.”

(flickr.com)

Quick Facts:

• A total of 4.9 million international visitors came to B.C. in 2015 – 359,750 more people compared to 2014.
• Tourism provides a job for roughly one out of every 15 people employed in B.C.
• Tourism builds communities, promotes culture and creates year-round jobs in every region of our province.
• The Province invests more than $90 million annually in the tourism sector across every region to grow and market the sector.
• Through the BC Jobs Plan, British Columbia is growing its tourism sector by establishing an integrated marketing approach, in partnership with tourism marketing organizations.

Learn More:

View photos of the Cranberry Marsh boardwalk:
https://flic.kr/p/Hg5LEW
https://flic.kr/p/HFqFJ4

2015 BC Tourism Statistics: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2016JTST0029-000269

Tourism Week in Canada info: http://tiac.travel/About_Tourism_Week.html

BC Jobs Plan: http://engage.gov.bc.ca/bcjobsplan/economy/tourism/