PARKSVILLE – New Democrat MLA Adam Walker says that Parksville and Qualicum Beach will be able to recover more quickly from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic with help from over $1 million in new funding for local infrastructure projects.
“The pandemic has been challenging for everyone, our government is responding by prioritizing projects that will create jobs and support people right now, while contributing to long-term economic resiliency,” said Walker, MLA for Parksville-Qualicum. “These investments will support local businesses, facilitate community events, and develop infrastructure, setting people up to thrive now and long after COVID-19 is behind us.”
The Parksville & District Chamber of Commerce is receiving $620,000 for the Mid Vancouver Island Micro-fulfillment Centre, a delivery warehouse that will save businesses time and money. The Fulfillment Centre will help lower costs for businesses by negotiating shipping costs collectively, and provide storage and processing space. By using this model businesses can spend more time creating new products and less time navigating shipping and delivery procedures.
The Qualicum Beach Historical and Museum Society is receiving $123,5000 for the Heritage Powerhouse Conservation and Adaptative Repurposing Project. This project will restore this important heritage building to its original condition while adapting it to be able to host community events and house permanent museum displays.
The Municipality of Qualicum Beach is receiving $444,525 for Phase 2 of the East Village Revitalization project which will transform Qualicum Beach’s uptown into a pedestrian-orientated neighborhood, which will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and make the community more accessible.
This funding is coming through B.C.’s CERIP (Community Economic Recovery Infrastructure Program) which is providing $100 million in one-time infrastructure grants for impactful projects across B.C. These projects will improve community economic resilience, develop unique heritage & tourism infrastructure, and support economic recovery for rural communities.
CERIP funding is distributed through different provincial ministries, including Municipal Affairs; Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport; and Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development.
This funding is part of BC’s $10 billion COVID-19 response to support people, businesses, communities, and critical services, and build a strong economic recovery that works for everyone.
Learn More: FLRNO release: https://news.gov.bc.ca/23833
Heritage BC release: https://heritagebc.ca/uhi-cerip-funding-announcement-february-22-2021/
MUNI release: https://news.gov.bc.ca/23840