LADYSMITH – New Democrat MLA Doug Routley says new support from the BC NDP government for tourism projects in Ladysmith will attract visitors, boost local economies and help communities recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The Floating Maritime Museum in Ladysmith and Oyster Bay Village already attract visitors from all over, and these expansions and upgrades will help boost our local economy further,” said Doug Routley, MLA for Nanaimo-North Cowichan. “These investments are just one way we are supporting Ladysmith through the pandemic and recovery.”
The Destination Oyster Bay Village project is receiving $253,400 to transform Oyster Bay Village, including for new benches and an entrance sign. The Ladysmith Maritime Society is receiving $319,375 for expansion of the Unique Floating Maritime Museum and Interactive Heritage Boat Fleet Display. Funding for both projects is part of a $21.3 million investment from the BC New Democrat government for shovel-ready destination development projects. People in Ladysmith will benefit from this funding, as it will not only support people working in tourism but also help grow the local economy into the future.
The destination development funding invests in implementation-ready tourism infrastructure and amenities projects that support the recovery and resilience of tourism by creating jobs and developing infrastructure that will attract visitors to B.C. communities in the near and long term. 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 First Nations.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, the New Democrat government has worked closely with B.C.’s tourism sector and provided $228 million in support to ensure businesses and non-profits can continue to draw visitors and benefit local communities for years to come.
Learn More:
For more information on destination development funding and a list of projects, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2022TACS0003-000124