$418,000 is being used to create a Winter Sports Event Centre at Hudson Bay Mountain Resort in Smithers, with specific coordinated enhancements to key ski and snowboard competition and training surfaces to allow for high quality, safe events and programming
NORTHERN BC – More than 50 new tourism projects throughout BC are receiving a total of $21.3 million for shovel-ready infrastructure projects, 6 of which are in Northern BC.
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 Smithers Ski and Snowboard Club is beyond thrilled with being awarded a CERIP grant. With this funding announcement, we are poised to establish a winter sports events centre at Hudson Bay Mountain Resort for alpine ski and snowboard competitions. We look forward to enhancing local sports infrastructure for the surrounding communities and inviting competitors from across the region and the province to future events,” said Cormac Hikisch, president, Smithers Ski Club.
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.
- Winter Sports Event Centre Hudson Bay Mountain Resort: Create a Winter Sports Event Centre at Hudson Bay Mountain Resort in Smithers, BC with specific coordinated enhancements to key ski and snowboard competition and training surfaces to allow for high quality, safe events and programming. $ 418,000
- Tse’k’wa Heritage and Cultural Centre: Development of interpretive trails and amphitheater, renovation of an existing structure into a heritage repository, and the creation of virtual reality exhibits at Tse’k’wa is a National Historic Site. $ 313,618
- Sunset Park Revitalization: The project will: 1) restore and upgrade Sunset Park’s three-storey birdwatching tower along the Yakoun River; 2) repair and improve connecting trails; 3) complete extensive brushing and cleanup in the woods surrounding Sunset Park Campground; 4) build a changeroom and covered seating area; 5) install bear-resistant garbage and recycling containers in Sunset Park Campground $ 269,746
- River Walk and Lava Bed Trail and Saasak’ Hill Trails Systems: River Walk & Lava Bed Trail and Saasak’ Hill Trails Systems – The project covers Phases 2-River Walk and Lava Bed Trail $ 400,000
- David Douglas Botanical Garden Expansion Project: David Douglas Botanical Garden Expansion Project – Phase 2 – includes a visitor centre, parking lot, landscaping, a trellised axial walkway, the development of a 10-acre parcel to construct three theme gardens (an ornamental display Garden, a First Nations Garden, and Scientific Research Plots). $ 700,000
- Hiellen Longhouse Village Expansion: Hiellen Longhouse Village Expansion adding seven cabins and four tent pads, including road construction, water systems, sewage, washroom and walkways. $ 798,625
