Cowichan Valley received funding to construct new parking at the trailhead of the Kinsol trestle
VICTORIA – More than 50 new tourism projects throughout BC are receiving a total of $21.3 million for shovel-ready infrastructure projects, 10 of which are on Vancouver Island.
These projects are part of the second round of the 2021 Community Economic Recovery Infrastructure Program’s (CERIP) Destination Development stream.
In February 2021, the Province provided $20 million for 54 projects specifically for tourism through the first round of CERIP. The second investment of $21.3 million in 2022 doubles this, providing a total of $41.3 million for the tourism ecosystem for more than 100 projects.
These investments in implementation-ready tourism infrastructure projects support the recovery and resilience of tourism by creating jobs and developing infrastructure that will attract visitors to BC communities in the near and long term. Examples of approved projects include an Indigenous campground development, trail upgrades to accommodate adapted mountain bikes and wheelchairs, arts and culture event space, and beautification and signage projects.
Projects were chosen for their demonstrated tourism benefits to communities and British Columbians, along with new jobs, many of which will provide employment for apprentices, youth, new Canadians, women and Indigenous Peoples. Eligible applicants included local governments, First Nations and non-profit organizations.
The $21.3 million provided in the second round of funding supports one infrastructure project in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast region; nine projects in the Kootenay Rockies region; six in the Northern British Columbia region; 11 in the Thompson Okanagan region; 15 in the Vancouver Coast & Mountains region and 10 in the Vancouver Island region.
- Sooke Potholes Improvement: Revitalize the Sooke Potholes parking Lot 1 adding additional capacity for social distancing and replacing two narrow staircases. Two permanent installations of accessible pit-style washrooms -$ 353,449
- Downtown Sidney Lighting Infrastructure Initiative: Installation of permanent, and energy-efficient LED string-lights on storefronts throughout the downtown business district – $ 97,504
- Snaw Naw As Campground Redevelopment Phase 1 – Washroom facility upgrade: New to campground washroom facility at Snaw Naw As Campground including shower house and sewer connections – $ 242,496
- Signage Revitalization – Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Region: Creation of educational content and artwork, and the inclusion of Nuu-chah-nulth language to design, construct and install signage at key locations in Clayoquot Sound – $ 149,654
- Destination Oyster Bay Village: Transforming Oyster Bay Village including benches at Oyster Bay Village, Oyster Bay Village entrance sign, Seasonal decoration, Street banners – $ 253,400
- Kinsol Trestle Gateway Project: Construction of a new parking area for the trailhead of the Kinsol trestle, picnic area and trail connector – $ 459,000
- Echo Bay Indigenous Interpretive Trail Restoration: Echo Bay Indigenous Interpretive Trail Restoration: re-establishing a trail from the Echo Bay Marina and Lodge to the Echo Bay Marine Park – $ 109,785
- Ucluelet and Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ Government Collaborative Mountain Bike Initiative: Construction of inclusive, beginner-oriented expansion of the existing mountain biking trail system on Mt Ozzard along with upgrades to parking and signage – $ 170,000
- Makery: Construct a 1700 square feet of workshop space (aka “Makery”) on Galiano island where local artists can create, showcase, and sell their arts to visitors. Includes two washrooms and one EV charger -$ 218,000
- Expansion of Unique Floating Maritime Museum and Interactive Heritage Boat Fleet Display: Expansion of Floating Maritime Museum and Interactive Heritage Boat Fleet Display – $ 319,375