NEW WESTMINSTER – New Democrat MLAs Jennifer Whiteside and Aman Singh say new support from the BC NDP government for tourism project in New Westminster will attract visitors, boost local economies, and help communities recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Children and families are so excited to have a new play structure right on the New Westminster Quay,” said Jennifer Whiteside, MLA for New Westminster. “This project is a huge draw and a vital part of our pandemic recovery as we look to promote public spaces and welcome visitors back to our community.”

New Westminster will be receiving $305,480 for the re-development of a waterfront public space and children’s play area at New Westminster’s Riverfront. This funding for the re-development of the New Westminster Riverfront is part of a $21.3 million investment from the BC New Democrat government for shovel-ready destination development projects. People in New Westminster 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.

“It’s important for a community like ours to have public spaces that welcome everyone,” said Aman Singh, MLA for Richmond-Queensborough. “I’m excited to see the re-development of the New West riverfront into a place for people in our community to connect and gather.”

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: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2022TACS0003-000124 

For more information on destination development funding and a list of projects, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/CERIP_Table_2.pdf