QUALICUM BEACH – New Democrat MLA Adam Walker says new support from the BC NDP government will help Vancouver Island University’s Milner Gardens in Qualicum Beach recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, attract visitors, and provide local jobs.

 “Here in Qualicum Beach and Parksville, our communities felt the impact of the pandemic on our tourism sector,” said Adam Walker, MLA for Parksville-Qualicum. “Milner Gardens is beautifully maintained and has been enjoyed by visitors to Qualicum Beach for many years. This funding will help them ramp up their operations as we begin to welcome more tourists to our idyllic island community.”

This funding for Milner Gardens is part of a $35.5 million investment announced earlier this year by the BC New Democrat government. MLA Walker said he is glad that people on the mid-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.

Organizations can use the grants to pay for rent and utilities, payroll and costs related to restarting or ramping up operations.

Grant funding to anchor attractions and tour bus companies was provided based on a combination of criteria: major anchor attractions in urban centres that receive 75,000 or more visitors per year were eligible for up to $1 million; major anchor attractions in rural areas that receive 15,000 or more visitors per year were eligible for up to $500,000; and tour bus companies that serve 30,000 or more passengers per year were eligible for up to $500,000.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, the New Democrat government has worked closely with B.C.’s tourism sector and provided $225 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 a list of BC Major Anchor Attractions recipients by region, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/7-23_BCMAA.pdf