Twelve new destination and tourism infrastructure developments are underway in the northern B.C. tourism region with support from the Province.

“We know recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic for businesses and people in the tourism sector are critically important. This fund creates new tourism infrastructure, which will help the sector recover, create local jobs and spur economic development,” said Melanie Mark, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “Building on the calls to action from the sector, this fund invests in initiatives that link communities together and encourages visitors to spend time at several destinations within a region.”

Northern BC Tourism Association, in partnership with community destination management organizations, local and regional governments, First Nations, non-profits and other partners, have worked together to identify initiatives that will enhance the region’s tourism amenities and experiences.

Initiatives underway in the northern B.C. tourism region include investing in accessibility adaptations at multiple recreation sites to improve access, implementing a comprehensive place-making signage strategy for the North and supporting multiple small First Nations communities to tell their stories through cultural and wayfinding signage.

Examples in other parts of the province include improvement of trail systems throughout a region for hiking, Nordic skiing or mountain biking, self-guided tour signage to highlight agri-tourism areas and a series of Indigenous landmarks throughout a region. The Province has provided $2.3 million toward these projects.

“Northern BC Tourism Association is excited for this tremendous opportunity to further develop the tourism sector in northern B.C. As a result of working closely with partners from across the region, we have identified key initiatives that will not only advance important actions and objectives from the region’s 10-year Destination Development plans, but will also significantly strengthen the visitor experience and enhance resident quality of life throughout northern B.C.,” said Clint Fraser, CEO, Northern BC Tourism Association.

As part of StrongerBC: BC’s Economic Recovery Plan, the province’s six tourism regions have received a total of $13.6 million to create employment opportunities, attract new businesses and increase economic diversification within communities.

The Targeted Regional Tourism Initiative is one of three infrastructure investment programs for tourism as part of StrongerBC, including the Community Economic Recovery Infrastructure program, Destination Development and the Tourism Dependent Communities Initiative. The approved projects must be completed by March 2023.

Quotes:

Nathan Cullen, MLA for Stikine –

“This new funding is really important for the people and businesses within our tourism industry. It not only benefits our local communities through the creation of jobs, but it also encourages visitors to stay in our community and experience everything it has to offer.”

Janis Neufeld, COO, Kootenay Adaptive Sport Association (KASA) and Inclusive by Design –

“Inclusive by Design, a subsidiary of KASA, is excited to be part of improving access to outdoor recreation in B.C. for both residents and visitors. Our project will not only improve accessibility in the province, it is also providing training and employing individuals with a disability, increasing employment for members of a community severely impacted by the pandemic. So, the work will be done by people who will directly benefit from the improvements being made – a source of pride as well as employment.”

Learn More:

For a backgrounder listing approved projects and costs, visit:
https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/TRTD_Master_List_Initiatives_May2021.pdf

For more information on StrongerBC, visit: https://strongerbc.gov.bc.ca/