People in Prince George celebrated investments from the Province that will give the community more opportunities to enjoy the outdoors while supporting the region’s tourism industry and local economy.

The Caledonia Nordic Ski Club is one of the 60 successful applicants throughout British Columbia receiving support from the government’s new Capital Projects Community Gaming Grants program. With funding from the Province, the ski club is now able to purchase a snow-making system, benefiting families and local athletes through enhanced trail conditions. A snow-making system will guarantee an extended season from November to April, creating more ways to enjoy winter sports.  

“Our government is working hard to provide a better quality of life for all British Columbians, and this includes investments in non-profits working to strengthen their communities,” said Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “I am thrilled to join the families and local athletes in Prince George to celebrate this funding as people of all ages, abilities and skill levels will be able to enjoy the trails for years to come, creating a community legacy for the city.”

The Province provided $175,000 to the Caledonia Nordic Ski Club’s Otway Nordic Centre as part of $5 million the B.C. government is investing in eligible not-for-profits throughout B.C.

The Caledonia Nordic Ski Club is also receiving $175,000 from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, to support hosting the 2019 Para Nordic Skiing Championships. The funding is part of the Tourism Events Program, and will be used for marketing and communications activities, such as livestreaming and media engagement.

“This funding will help Prince George host para athletes at the world-class Caledonia Nordic Centre, while promoting tourism to the area,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture. “This event will showcase the beauty of northern B.C. and benefit people long-term through a legacy of enhanced amenities that families can enjoy for generations to come.”

The Tourism Events Program supports events that raise national and international awareness of British Columbia’s many tourism experiences and motivates people from around the world to travel to and experience B.C. These events also generate tourism and economic activity in communities and regions throughout the province.

“On behalf of council, I would like to thank the Government of B.C. for this investment in the sport infrastructure of Prince George,” said Lyn Hall, mayor of Prince George. “This added technology and funding will enhance Otway’s already stellar experience for athletes as well as the experience for viewers from across the province, the country and the world. Council also wishes to acknowledge the hard work of the Caledonia Nordic Ski Club and thank them for their ongoing efforts to prepare for the 2019 Para Nordic Skiing Championships.”

“Continued support from the local community, industry partners and all levels of government has allowed us to grow over the past 30 years into a world-class Nordic centre,” said John Huybers, president of the Caledonia Nordic Ski Club. “The club is proud of the wide range of all-season outdoor recreational opportunities that it provides to residents and visitors, and we look forward to welcoming people from around the world to Prince George for the 2019 World Para Nordic Skiing Championships.”

Quick Facts:

• The 2019 World Para Nordic Skiing Championships will be held Feb. 13 to 24, 2019, and will feature cross-country skiing and biathlon.
• The dates for the next application period for the Community Gaming Grants for capital projects will be announced in early 2018.
• Every year, gaming revenues generate hundreds of millions of dollars that government invests in key services, including health care and education, for people and communities throughout the province.
• More than 5,000 not-for-profit organizations, representing communities throughout British Columbia, benefit from $140 million in community gaming grants every year to directly deliver approved programs in their communities.
• Gaming grants go to a wide array of organizations that make life better for British Columbians, representing arts and culture groups, sport, environment, public safety, human and social services, and parent advisory councils.
• In addition to the funding announced today, the Government of B.C. invests approximately $50 million in sport and over $110 million in the tourism sector annually.

Learn More:

For a full list of capital projects grants, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2017MAH0025-002085

More about capital projects sector grants at: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/sports-culture/gambling-fundraising/gaming-grants/capital-project-grants

Updated guidelines for 2018 Community Gaming Grants are now available at: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/sports-recreation-arts-and-culture/gambling/grants/guide-cgg.pdf

Learn more about the Tourism Events Program: https://www.destinationbc.ca/BC-Tourism-Industry/Municipal-and-Regional-District-Tax-Program/Tourism-Events-Program.aspx

Caledonia Nordic Ski Club: https://www.caledonianordic.com/