Vancouver Island and Coast communities receive over $2.6 million to revitalize public spaces and enhance tourism experiences

The Government of Canada is making investments across British Columbia to refresh community spaces, attract new visitors, and stimulate local economies

COMOX, BC, Sept. 21, 2023 /CNW/ - Safe and inclusive public spaces and dynamic tourism attractions are key to vibrant communities. They bring together people of all ages and abilities, supporting businesses and boosting economic vitality.

Vancouver Island and Coast communities receive over $2.6 million to revitalize public spaces and enhance tourism experiences (CNW Group/Pacific Economic Development Canada)

Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), announced over $2.6 million in PacifiCan funding for 16 projects across Vancouver Island and the Coast. This includes $750,000 for one project funded through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund and over $1.9 million for 15 projects funded through the Tourism Relief Fund.

The K'όmoks First Nation is receiving $750,000 through the Canada Community Revitalization fund to help build a community park and gathering space in Comox, B.C. New amenities will include a playground, gazebo, washroom, and outdoor kitchen. This will be the first outdoor gathering space for the K'όmoks First Nation.

Upgrading existing infrastructure and building new public assets means British Columbians and visitors have better access to recreational programs and facilities. The 16 projects announced today are growing economic opportunities, creating jobs, and improving community wellness. Communities benefiting from today's announcement include: Victoria, Sooke, Port Alberni, Gibsons, Tofino, Kyuquot, Egmont, Courtenay, Powell River, Heriot Bay, Ucluelet, Nanaimo and Bowen Island.

For the full list of projects, please see backgrounder section below.

This announcement builds on the opening of PacifiCan offices in Victoria and Campbell River in November 2022 to help support economic development on Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, Central Coast and Sunshine Coast. With PacifiCan officers living and providing service locally, PacifiCan will be more accessible to all communities in the region.

Quotes

"From unique outdoor adventure and cultural experiences to breathtaking parks, lakes and heritage sites, Vancouver Island and the Coast of B.C. is a world-class place to visit or call home. Today's announcement demonstrates the Government of Canada's commitment to supporting economic development across British Columbia. Investing in shared public spaces and tourism experiences will bring communities together and ensure that the island and coastal regions thrive well into the future."

-       The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada

Quick Facts

• PacifiCan is the federal economic development agency dedicated to British Columbia. Our vision is to propel B.C. forward and create enduring prosperity for British Columbians.
• PacifiCan works with partners who are building innovative businesses, creating quality jobs, and supporting inclusive growth throughout British Columbia.
• In November 2022, PacifiCan opened new offices in Victoria, Campbell River, Kelowna, Cranbrook, Prince George, Prince Rupert, and Fort St John, serving businesses and communities across the province.
• The Canada Community Revitalization Fund provides $500 million over two years to help communities build and improve infrastructure, making public spaces safer, greener, and more accessible.
• The Tourism Relief Fund provides $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.

Related Products

• Backgrounder: Vancouver Island and Coast communities receive over $2.6 million to revitalize public spaces and enhance tourism experiences

Associated Links:

• Vancouver Island PacifiCan office launch
• PacifiCan
• Canada Community Revitalization Fund
• Tourism Relief Fund

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Toll-Free Number: 1-888-338-9378
TTY (telecommunications device for the hearing impaired): 1-877-303-3388

Backgrounder: Vancouver Island and Coast communities receive over $2.6 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 over $2.6 million in PacifiCan funding for 16 projects across Vancouver Island and the Coast of B.C. This includes $750,000 for one project funded through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund and over $1.9 million for 15 projects funded through the Tourism Relief Fund.

The projects announced today include:

Canada Community Revitalization Fund

K'όmoks First Nation
$750,000
Funding will help build a community park and gathering space in Comox. New amenities will include a playground, gazebo, washroom, and outdoor kitchen.

Tourism Relief Fund

Adrena LINE Adventure Tours Ltd. 
$99,999
Funding will go towards constructing a dual-zipline to complement the company's existing adventure tour offerings in Sooke. The upgraded facilities will help attract visitors to the area and create new jobs.

Chims Motel and Guest House
$99,999
Funding will help construct an Indigenous cultural centre and revitalize lodgings at the Chims Motel and Guest House in Port Alberni. The guest house is an anchor attraction in the Tseshaht First Nation Territory offering educational Indigenous experiences such as plant walks, healing gatherings, and seafood dinners.

CVS Tours Ltd. 
$99,999
Funding will be used to purchase three new double decker buses for the company's shuttle service to Butchart Gardens in Victoria. The enhanced fleet will double the number of visitors to the gardens.

Forager Education Ltd.
$48,500
Funding will be used to create a virtual reality experience that showcases natural heritage sites throughout B.C. The immersive experience will stimulate tourism and inspire visitors to explore new regions that are rich in art and culture.

Greater Victoria Harbour Authority
$549,000
Funding will be used to repair the Broughton Pier and connecting walkway, allowing the structure to continue providing tourism, marina, and emergency services. Funding will also help establish a place in Victoria’s Inner Harbour to showcase Lekwungen culture and history. The initiative is a partnership with the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations, and will feature interpretative backdrops and artwork by local Indigenous artists.

Infusion Edutainment XR Amusement Park
$420,000
Funding will be used to expand a virtual reality experience arcade – the only one in downtown Victoria - by creating new content and purchasing new equipment. The arcade enhancements will improve the visitor experience and attract a wider tourist base.

Inter-Island Excursions Ltd. 
$18,000
Funding will go towards refinishing the company's heritage boathouse in Tofino and upgrading tourist facilities such as parking and washrooms.

KCFN Marina and Campground Inc. 
$99,999
Funding will help build a marine dock to allow for temporary tie-up and overnight moorage in Fair Harbour. Dock improvements will help attract marine travel and fishing tourism in the Kyuquot region.

Out There
$44,636
Funding will be used to upgrade outdoor amenities and visitor facilities, such as an outdoor kitchen and floating dock, to help attract visitors to Nelson Island along the Sunshine Coast.

Port Eliza Lodge Ltd.
$81,000
Funding will help upgrade fishing vessels and increase guest capacity at a fishing lodge in the Esperanza Inlet near Zeballos.

Powell River Educational Services Society (PRESS)
$20,000
Funding will be used upgrade the Powell Forest Canoe Route, a popular destination trail in Powell River. Revitalized trails and facilities will help attract tourists during off-peak visitation months.

Spirit of the West Adventures Ltd.
$65,091
Funding will go towards upgrading campsites and passenger transportation used during the company's multi-day kayaking tours in Heriot Bay.

Sutton Homestead Lodging Ltd. 
$16,789
Funding will be used to purchase a red cedar barrel sauna and electric heater for the company's remote lodge in Ucluelet. These upgraded amenities will improve the visitor experience in a tourism-dependent region.

TKD Travel Services for All Inc. 
$99,999
Funding will help the company develop travel options for people with disabilities, redesign its digital platforms, and expand staffing.

Tourism Bowen Island Association
$157,595
Funding will be used to develop a community-based, 10-year tourism plan and implement wayfinding tools to address gaps in visitor services on Bowen Island.

SOURCE Pacific Economic Development Canada

Contacts: Haley Hodgson, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, [e-mail]; Jillian Glover, Communications Manager, PacifiCan, [e-mail]