ROBERTS CREEK – New Democrat MLA Nicholas Simons says the provincial government’s support for tourism projects along the Sunshine Coast will bring more visitors to the community and strengthen the local economy.
“Destination Development grants are critical streams of funding to help our tourism industry, and investing in the Marine trails will allow more people to experience the natural beauty of the area,” says Nicholas Simons, MLA for Powell River – Sunshine Coast. “While the fund is geared towards tourism, it also supports beloved community hubs like the Roberts Creek Community Hall, which has hosted gatherings, farmer’s markets, weddings, and more for over 80 years.”
Along the Sunshine Coast, the following projects are receiving funding:
- Roberts Creek Community Association: septic and water infrastructure upgrades – $85,000
- B.C. Marine Trails Network Association: in cooperation with the Sea Kayak Association of BC to build tent platforms, trails, and install aluminum food caches at 6 recreation sites in Howe Sound – $26,136
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