PRINCE GEORGE – The Federal Government has announced total investments of over $1.8 million through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF) for five projects in Northern BC. Public spaces in Prince George, Burns Lake, Houston, and McBride will be upgraded to better serve the community for years to come.
Minister Harjit S. Sajjan, of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, also announced $150,500 through the Tourism Relief Fund (TRF) to support the Northern British Columbia Tourism Association with attracting new visitors by facilitating tourism experiences that are more accessible to people with mobility, sensory, and neuro-diverse disabilities.
Safe and inclusive public spaces and tourism attractions are crucial to building vibrant communities. They bring together people of all ages and abilities, supporting businesses and stimulating local economies. In Northern BC as in so many places across Canada, communities are ready to welcome back residents and visitors alike to more accessible tourism experiences and enhanced public spaces. Communities across Northern BC receive funding to renovate public spaces and make tourism more accessible (CNW Group/Pacific Economic Development Canada)
Upgrading existing community infrastructure and building new public assets will help Canadian cities and towns provide better access to recreational programs and facilities while boosting their economic vitality.
For the full list of projects, please see backgrounder.
“It is working in partnership with all levels of government that makes our communities resilient. It is the community partners who make these places home,” said Tracy Calogheros, CEO at The Exploration Place.
The projects announced include:
Fraser-Fort George Museum Society
Renovate the Exploration Place Museum & Science Centre with structural upgrades. Funding will also help build a new indoor biome, living plant wall, commercial kitchen and expanded traveling exhibit gallery to help accommodate increased visitor traffic.
$750,000
Canadian Mental Health Association of Northern BC
Upgrade the outdoor space at the Connections Clubhouse with new fencing and a greenhouse for patrons to grow produce and learn new skills.
$29,800
Ride Burns Mountain Biking Association
Refurbish a downhill mountain biking trail at the Boer Mountain Recreational site to improve accessibility and increase ridership.
$114,375
Corporation of the Village of McBride
Upgrade the 105-year-old Bill Clark Memorial Park and Ball Diamond with new spectator stands and dugouts, a scorekeeping booth and scoreboard, building fencing, and picnic area.
$252,134
District of Houston
Increase the accessibility of 10th street in downtown Houston with new paving, lighting, signage, and other beautification elements.
$656,250
Tourism Relief Fund
Northern British Columbia Tourism Association
Create a more inclusive and diverse local tourism sector by identifying and implementing accessible experiences for travelers with disabilities.
$150,500
