Lower Mainland communities receive $1.4 million to revitalize public spaces and enhance tourism experiences
The Government of Canada is making investments in British Columbia to refresh community spaces, attract new visitors, and stimulate local economies
MAPLE RIDGE, BC, Oct. 6, 2023 /CNW/ - Safe and inclusive public spaces and dynamic tourism attractions are key to building vibrant communities. They bring together people of all ages and abilities and attract new visitors, supporting local businesses and boosting economic vitality.
Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), announced $1.4 million in PacifiCan funding for six projects across the Lower Mainland. This includes over $1.2 million for four projects through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund and $121,700 for two projects through the Tourism Relief Fund.
The City of Maple Ridge is receiving $500,000 to create a new multi-use community park in Maple Ridge. The funding will be used to construct and install basketball and hockey courts, a pump track, splash pad, and playground, as well as furnish and landscape the park. This new outdoor activity hub will leverage underutilized space near local businesses, attracting more visitors to the neighbourhood and spurring economic activity.
Upgrading infrastructure, enhancing tourism experiences, and building new public assets attracts new visitors and means people across British Columbia have better access to recreational programs and facilities. The six projects announced today are growing economic opportunities, creating jobs, and improving community wellbeing.
Communities benefiting from today's announcement include: Maple Ridge, New Westminster and Port Moody.
For the full list of projects, please see the backgrounder in the section below.
"From spectacular trails and parks to world-class recreation and entertainment venues, the Lower Mainland is home to some of British Columbia's most beautiful spaces and top tourism destinations. Enhancing public spaces and tourism experiences in this region will not only bring people together, it will help businesses create jobs in their communities so they can thrive for years to come."
- The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada
- PacifiCan is the federal economic development agency dedicated to British Columbians. PacifiCan works with partners who are building innovative businesses, creating quality jobs, and supporting inclusive growth throughout British Columbia.
- The Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF) and Tourism Relief Fund (TRF) programs both launched in the summer of 2021.
- The CCRF provided $500 million over two years to Canada's regional development agencies (RDAs) to invest in projects that build and improve community infrastructure, making public spaces safer, greener and more accessible.
- The TRF provided $500 million over two years to help tourism businesses and organizations adapt their operations to meet public health requirements, while investing in products and services to facilitate future growth.
- In 2022, PacifiCan opened new offices in Kelowna, Cranbrook, Victoria, Campbell River, Prince George, Prince Rupert and Fort St. John, serving businesses and communities across the province.
Follow PacifiCan on Twitter and LinkedIn
Toll-Free Number: 1-888-338-9378
TTY (telecommunications device for the hearing impaired): 1-877-303-3388
Backgrounder: Lower Mainland communities receive $1.4 million to revitalize public spaces and enhance tourism experiences
Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), announced $1.4 million in PacifiCan funding for six projects in British Columbia's Lower Mainland. This includes over $1.2 million for four projects through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF) and $121,700 for two projects through the Tourism Relief Fund (TRF).
The projects announced today include:
Canada Community Revitalization Fund
City of Maple Ridge
$500,000
Funding will support creating a new multi-use community park in Maple Ridge. Project work includes construction and installation of basketball and hockey courts, a pump track, splash pad, and playground.
City of New Westminster
$243,750
Funding will help upgrade the infrastructure at Tipperary Park and City Hall in New Westminster, including creating a rain garden, cycling enclosure, and new gathering area.
City of Port Moody
$495,000
Funding will support revitalizing the Shoreline Trail boardwalk in Port Moody. Project activities include restoring a 145-metre elevated boardwalk and four timber bridges that are reaching the end of their serviceable life.
Downtown New Westminster Business Improvement Society
$43,950
Funding will help upgrade Hyack Square in New Westminster, one of the oldest urban squares in Western Canada. Project activities include installing a performance stage, outdoor seating, portable toilets, and games.
Tourism Relief Fund
British Columbia Lodging and Campgrounds Association
$70,200
Funding will go towards developing a visitor's guide for campgrounds that will help protect B.C.'s wilderness. This "Camper's Code" will promote guidelines and expectations for camping and other wilderness activities.
Woori Tours
$51,500
Funding will help the company purchase a motor coach bus for its tour operations from downtown Vancouver to the Rockies and other popular B.C. destinations.
SOURCE Pacific Economic Development Canada
Haley Hodgson, Senior Communications Advisor, Office of the Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, Haley.Hodgson@kpc-cpr.gc.ca; Jillian Glover, Communications Manager, PacifiCan, jillian.glover@pacifican.gc.ca
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