Ten new destination and tourism infrastructure developments are underway in the Kootenay Rockies 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.”

Kootenay Rockies Tourism 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 Kootenay Rockies tourism region include developing electric vehicle charging infrastructure across the region at key attractions and visitor sites, improving and sustaining access to the Elk River for commercial and recreation users, and developing municipal campgrounds along the scenic Slocan Valley.

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.

“The Targeted Regional Tourism Development funding has presented an opportunity to work with the Province and regional partners to strategically position our region for a better future by addressing some important infrastructure gaps. It will also help ensure improved amenities are in place to handle growth and mitigate the impact of increased visitation,” said Kathy Cooper, CEO, Kootenay Rockies Tourism. 

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:

Brittny Anderson, MLA for Nelson-Creston –

“People across the Kootenays are ready to come back stronger than ever before. Tourism is an important part of the Kootenays and by investing in projects and organizations that will attract even more visitors to our incredible region, we will recover quickly and build a thriving region for years to come.”

Chad Hughes, interim executive director, Elk River Alliance –

“River access improvements will boost the Elk Valley’s tourism and recreation economy by allowing improved safe access to world-class fly fishing, paddle boating and whitewater rafting. The improved amenities and educational opportunities will assist in the safeguarding of the river and create a culture of stewardship with our river users.”

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/