UCLUELET – New Democrat MLA Josie Osborne says new support from the BC NDP government for tourism projects on the West Coast will attract visitors, boost local economies and help communities recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“People love to visit the West Coast because of its spectacular natural environment,” said MLA Osborne. “The Ucluelet Mountain Bike Association and Clayoquot Biosphere Trust Society are enhancing the experience for people exploring on foot or by bike with better trails and more educational content, artwork, and Nuu-chah-nulth language on signage, and I’m so glad we’re able to support their work.”

This funding for two projects is part of a $21.3 million investment from the BC New Democrat government for shovel-ready destination development projects. People on the West Coast of Vancouver Island 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:  More investments made in B.C.’s tourism infrastructure