Funding will enable upgrades to Sun Peaks Village Plaza, including picnic tables, firepits, game areas, Secwepmec Medicine Trail signage, pedestrian walkway improvements to allow safe, socially distant movement of people, and small stage area that will be based on a First Nations pit house theme.
OKANAGAN – More than 50 new tourism projects throughout BC are receiving a total of $21.3 million for shovel-ready infrastructure projects, 11 of which are in the Okanagan.
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.
“Like many other cities across BC, Kamloops experienced an unprecedented increase in trail users during COVID, from local users to regional and domestic tourists. The CERIP funds are so appreciated and will support our efforts to elevate Kamloops’ competitiveness as a premier travel destination, and to provide a more accessible riding experience for bikers of all levels at Harper Mountain and Pineview,” said Cheryl Beattie, director, Kamloops Performance Cycling Centre.
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.
- Glamping Park Establishment: Installation of glamping (glamourous camping) infrastructure, including visitor amenities, landscaping, building cabins. $ 245,085
- Peach Orchard and Rotary Beach Washroom Upgrades: Peach Orchard and Rotary Beach Washroom Upgrades including winterizing and improving electrical service. $ 280,000
- Vernon Visitor Kiosks: Construction of three timber frame visitor kiosks in Vernon to supply information on attractions, activities, arts, culture, and events. $ 242,000
- North Okanagan Culture and Heritage Enhancement: Upgrades to the Museum facility, including Roofing, HVAC, and electrical and lighting issues, to protect collection items and enhance the operations of the GVMA, and create new COVID safe cultural event spaces. $ 280,896
- The Pandosy Public Pier – Entering New Waters: Pandosy Public Pier project to develop of an inclusive, universally accessible, and non-motorized public pier in Kelowna. $ 390,925
- Sun Peaks Centre Plaza Development: Upgrades to Sun Peaks Village Plaza, including picnic tables, firepits, game areas, Secwepmec Medicine Trail signage, pedestrian walkway improvements to allow safe, socially distant movement of people, and small stage area that will be based on a First Nations pit house theme. $ 898,241
- Coldstream Station: Construction of Coldstream Station, a central gathering place for the community of Coldstream and entry area to the Okanagan Rail Trail, including event plaza, parking, washrooms, visitor information, landscaping to support a world class destination rail trail adventure. $ 624,257
- Nicola Valley Mountain Biking Trails Project: Develop, design & build trail signs and information kiosks, in addition to Trail Technical Features such as ramps, berms and drops, at iconic mountain biking trail system. $ 328,000
- Peripheral Tourism Infrastructure and Destination Trail Development for Kamloops: Creation of 3 new parking lots, garbage and washroom facilities, wayfinding signage, and information kiosks at key mountain biking trail systems. $ 919,539
- Salmon Arm Destination Development: Recovery, Resiliency, Rejuvenation: This project includes 3 tactics: Community Signage; Interactive Visitor Kiosk; Mobile Visitor Outreach.$ 289,796
- Bold Visitor Services & Engagement Strategy: Install 10 interactive, digital kiosks at high-traffic, visitor touch points. $ 316,250