CUMBERLAND – New Democrat MLA Josie Osborne says the provincial government’s support for a tourism project in Cumberland will bring more visitors to the community and strengthen the local economy.

“People love to come to our region to mountain bike and explore our forests,” said Josie Osborne, MLA for Mid Island-Pacific Rim. “This funding will support the United Riders of Cumberland in their mission to build an ‘epic’ trail for riders to enjoy along with the Cumberland multi-use trail network that is already beloved by bikers, hikers, runners, and outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and abilities .”

In Cumberland, the United Riders of Cumberland Association is receiving $150,000 to build an International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA) “certified EPIC” backcountry experience trail that acts as a marquee attraction with the existing Cumberland Multi-use Trail Network.

Across the province thirty-one projects are benefitting from one-time Destination Development grant funding, which aims to make communities competitive destinations for tourism and strengthen local economies. Since 2022, the province has invested $60m in the Fund, to help continue to rebuild tourism levels to pre-2020 numbers by 2024. In its first year, the Fund supported 90 projects in B.C. communities.

These projects have been selected for funding as they demonstrate tourism benefits to communities, including sustainability, accessibility, and economic benefit. These projects are future-thinking and will support communities for years to come, supporting the Province’s CleanBC Plan and Climate Preparedness Adaptation Strategy.

Learn more and find a list of projects at: https://news.gov.bc.ca/29742