NDP MLA says investment in North Island tourism projects will boost local economy
FORT RUPERT – New Democrat MLA Michele Babchuk says the provincial government’s support for North Island tourism projects will bring more visitors to the community and strengthen the local economy.
“Tourists from around the world visit Northern Vancouver Island to explore our coastal communities, beautiful beaches, and all our incredible wildlife,” says Michele Babchuk, MLA for North Island. “This stream of funding not only helps accommodate our visitors but provides critical infrastructure for our community members as well.”
On North Vancouver Island, the following projects are receiving funding:
- Sointula Resource Centre Society: revitalizing the free bike program and expand it to include e-bike rentals and wayfinding signage – $62,445
- Village of Port Alice: municipal marina upgrades and repairs – $609,250
- Kwakiutl First Nation: Cluxewe Resort and Campground upgrades to water supply to provide potable water to guests of the resort – $999,375
- Echo Bay Development Ltd: revitalization of docks and water treatment system of the Ḵ’wax̱wa̱lawadi Echo Bay marina and lodge – $403,000
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