The City of Penticton
OKANAGAN – The Federal Government announced in December over $5.5 million in PacifiCan funding for 23 projects throughout the Thompson Okanagan. This includes $3.2 million for nine projects funded through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund and over $2.3 million for 14 projects funded through the Tourism Relief Fund.
The City of Penticton is receiving $950,000 in funding through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund for two projects that will improve public infrastructure in the community. The first project will receive $750,000 for the development of a new lake-to-lake bike route between Okanagan Lake and Skaha Lake that will provide cyclists with safe, easy access across the city. The additional $200,000 will be used to construct two accessible community washrooms at Penticton’s Kiwanis Park Safety Village and Riverside Park.
Upgrading existing infrastructure and building new public assets will mean British Columbians will have better access to recreational programs and facilities; these projects will grow economic opportunities, create jobs, and improve community wellness. Communities benefiting from today’s announcements include Kelowna, Penticton, Peachland, Golden, Revelstoke, Vernon, Summerland, Keremeos and Osoyoos.
“This is a great example of partnerships that are working to create safer and healthier communities. I am delighted that PacifiCan has come to the table with this grant and is participating in building more active modes of transportation and ensuring accessibility for all. The City of Penticton is committed to being a healthy, active and accessible community and we look forward to co-operating on more projects like these two,” said Julius Bloomfield, Mayor of the City of Penticton.
The projects include:
City of Kelowna
$750,000
Funding will go towards adding accessibility features to Pandosy Waterfront Park in Kelowna, including a floating dock, pedestrian lighting, wayfinding signage, and mobile infrastructure.
City of Penticton
$750,000
Funding will go towards building a new lake-to-lake bike route between Okanagan Lake and Skaha Lake. The safe and dedicated cycling route and pedestrian sidewalk will allow easy public access across the city.
$200,000
Funding will go towards the construction of two accessible community washrooms at Penticton’s Kiwanis Park Safety Village and Riverside Park.
City of Vernon
$639,000
Funding will be used for the continued development of Civic Memorial Park. Project activities include upgrading an existing building to improve energy efficiency and the creation of accessible public washrooms and a community meeting space.
City of West Kelowna
$416,250
Funding will go towards revitalizing four community parks in West Kelowna: Beechnut, Pritchard, Paula and Shetler Park. Upgrades include landscape and parking enhancements, and the installation of new playground equipment, volleyball courts and picnic areas.
District of Peachland
$53,188
Funding will be used to expand and improve the accessibility of multi-use pathways that link Heritage Park to downtown Peachland. Project activities include installing new streetlights, expanding the parking lot, and adding safe trail connections and crosswalks.
Golden Off Road Motorcycle Association
$30,000
Funding will go towards building a new recreational site at the trailhead of the Association’s new off-road motorcycle trail system. The campground will include 20 campsites and serve as a staging area for snowmobile activities in the winter.
O’Keefe Ranch and interior Heritage Society
$94,915
Funding will help create ten glamping accommodation units at the O’Keefe Ranch Historic Site in Vernon. The project will leverage green technology and improve accessibility for persons with disabilities.
Osoyoos Museum Society
$310,530
Funding will go towards redeveloping the lower level of the Osoyoos Museum to include cultural artifact displays and multi-purpose work rooms to host community gatherings and events.
1375647 Alberta Ltd.
$99,999
Funding will help Alpha Mountain Lodging establish a cabin retreat and backcountry guide business in Revelstoke. Work includes building four cabins for all-season tourism use.
Argus Properties Ltd.
$99,999
Funding will help build a floating platform and ramp extension for Hotel Eldorado’s marina dock on Okanagan Lake. Improvements will expand existing floatplane services, bringing visitors from Vancouver to Kelowna.
British Columbia Snowmobile Federation
$500,000
Funding will go towards creating a recreational snowmobile trail program, which will support snowmobile clubs in the province and enhance tourism offerings.
Carpe Diem Tours Ltd.
$85,000
Funding will go towards purchasing a new vehicle and facilitate further development of winery tours targeted to francophone and other visitors to the Okanagan.
Elevation Outdoors Experiential Programs Association
$219,600
Funding will go towards expanding operations at Kelowna Bike Rentals, including the purchase of 92 new bikes including adaptive e-bikes, mountain and city bikes, and cycling accessories.
ERTCU Travel Group Ltd
$99,999
Funding will help develop and market a series of new RV tours across rural British Columbia, targeting the international market.
Extreme Yeti Adventures Ltd.
$96,000
Funding will go towards purchasing state-of-the-art avionics equipment, parachutes and additional aircraft to offer customers a safer and improved skydiving experience in Golden.
Iconoclast Developments Ltd.
$99,999
Funding will go towards renovating and improving Sorcerer Lodge’s on-mountain lodge facilities and infrastructure near Golden.
Renedian Adventures Ltd.
$99,999
Funding will go towards purchasing four motorcycles, a van and trailer and hiring additional staff to increase motorcycle tour services in Kelowna.
Revelstoke Accommodation Association
$135,000
Funding will help Tourism Revelstoke develop a Destination Management Plan in collaboration with tourism stakeholders in the region. The plan will be a guiding document for Revelstoke’s tourism vision.
Revelstoke Mountain Resort
$99,999
Funding will go towards building a mountain bike skills park, which will extend the ski resort’s tourism seasons.
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
$500,000
Funding will go towards conducting sustainability assessments for rural tourism businesses in British Columbia to help them adopt and implement sustainable and environmentally responsible operational practices.
Vernon Winter Carnival Society
$125,000
Funding will go towards new activities that expand the Vernon Winter Carnival, a 10-day winter festival featuring over 100 local events.
Wine Country Studios
$56,960
Funding will go towards expanding and promoting unique Metis art workshops and classes to tourists visiting West Kelowna.