People in the North Coast to benefit from new recreation and job opportunities

Posted in: ,

PRINCE RUPERT – New Democrat MLA Jennifer Rice says that people in the North Coast will benefit from nearly $540,000 in provincial grants for local recreation and economic development projects that will help local governments and First Nations plan for the future of their communities, create jobs, and build more outdoor recreation infrastructure.

“Our government believes in investing in rural people and communities,” said Rice, MLA for North Coast. “This funding will help make North Coast communities even better places to live, and help our local economies as they build back from the economic challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Grants going to the North Coast include:

  • Community Futures Development Corporation of the Pacific Northwest: Redesign Rupert – Implementing Our 2030 Community Plan ($99,900).
    • A joint initiative of Community Futures and the City of Prince Rupert to bring together residents, community organizations, First Nations, and the private sector to create a vision for the future of Prince Rupert through revitalizing the downtown core, developing new waterfront access points, and addressing a community-wide human capital shortage.
  • Gitga’at Development Corporation: Hartley Bay Harbourfront Development Plan ($10,000).
    • With Chief and Council, develop a 28-room hotel facility that includes a 52 seat restaurant and nearby farmers market style retail space on the harbour consisting of four to six mini-longhouses.
  • Gitga’at First Nation: Hartley Bay Destination Trail Project ($380,000).
    • Multi-use trail through the Great Bear Coastal Rainforest to connect Hartley Bay to Malsey Bay, including a gathering area with tent pads, facilities at Malsey Bay.
  • Lax Kw’alaams Business Development: Laku Creek Trail Loop ($49,512).
    • First phase of an eight-trail network that will eventually link Lax Kw’aalaams to Laku Creek and the Metlakatla Coastal Trail.

These local investments are part of nearly $14 million in grants for over 150 projects that will support economic development and recreational opportunities for British Columbians who live in rural communities throughout the province.

Funding recipients were identified from applications received during the 6th intake of the Rural Dividend Program in summer 2019. Priority was given to economic development projects that have a focus and potential for job creation.

Learn More: https://news.gov.bc.ca/22421