More Investments Made in B.C.’s Tourism Infrastructure through CERIP Grants

More than 50 new tourism projects throughout B.C. are receiving a total of $21.3 million for shovel-ready infrastructure projects, including $4,814,989 for projects in the Thompson Okanagan region.

These projects are part of the second round of the 2021 Community Economic Recovery Infrastructure Program’s (CERIP) Destination Development stream.

These funds will strengthen tourism growth and develop emerging tourism opportunities, stimulating the recovery of B.C.’s post-pandemic visitor economy. Continued investments in destination development will increase employment and job creation, and establish more livable communities while enhancing residents’ quality of life and visitors’ experiences.

These investments in implementation-ready tourism infrastructure projects 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 Indigenous Peoples. Eligible applicants included local governments, First Nations and non-profit organizations.

Thompson Okanagan Projects funded by CERIP:

• O'Keefe Ranch & Interior Heritage Society - Glamping Park Establishment: Installation of glamping (glamourous camping) infrastructure, including visitor amenities, landscaping, building cabins.

• Summerland - Peach Orchard and Rotary Beach Washroom Upgrades: Peach Orchard and Rotary Beach Washroom Upgrades including winterizing and improving electrical service.

• Vernon - Vernon Visitor Kiosks: Construction of three timber frame visitor kiosks in Vernon to supply information on attractions, activities, arts, culture, and events.

• Greater Vernon Museum and Archives - North Okanagan Culture and Heritage Enhancement: Upgrades to the Museum facility, including Roofing, HVAC, and electrical and lighting issues, to protect collection items and enhance the operations of the GVMA, and create new COVID safe cultural event spaces.

• Kelowna - The Pandosy Public Pier - Entering New Waters: Pandosy Public Pier project to develop of an inclusive, universally accessible, and non-motorized public pier in Kelowna.

• Sun Peaks - Sun Peaks Centre Plaza Development: Upgrades to Sun Peaks Village Plaza, including picnic tables, firepits, game areas, Secwepmec Medicine Trail signage, pedestrian walkway improvements to allow safe, socially distant movement of people, and small stage area that will be based on a First Nations pit house theme.

• Coldstream - Coldstream Station: Construction of Coldstream Station, a central gathering place for the community of Coldstream and entry area to the Okanagan Rail Trail, including event plaza, parking, washrooms, visitor information, landscaping to support a world class destination rail trail adventure.

• Merritt & Nicola Valley Destination Marketing Society - Nicola Valley Mountain Biking Trails Project: Develop, design & build trail signs and information kiosks, in addition to Trail Technical Features such as ramps, berms and drops, at iconic mountain biking trail system.

• Kamloops - Performance Cycling Centre: Peripheral Tourism Infrastructure and Destination Trail Development for Kamloops. Creation of 3 new parking lots, garbage and washroom facilities, wayfinding signage, and information kiosks at key mountain biking trail systems.

• Salmon Arm Economic Development Society - Salmon Arm Destination Development: Recovery, Resiliency, Rejuvenation: This project includes 3 tactics: Community Signage; Interactive Visitor Kiosk; Mobile Visitor Outreach

• Tourism Kamloops - Bold Visitor Services & Engagement Strategy: Install 10 interactive, digital kiosks at high-traffic, visitor touch points;

Learn More →

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Background

In February 2021, the Province provided $20 million for 54 projects specifically for tourism through the first round of CERIP. The second investment of $21.3 million in 2022 doubles this, providing a total of $41.3 million for the tourism ecosystem for more than 100 projects.

The Province is investing an additional $30 million over the next two years to continue investing in tourism infrastructure throughout the province. By helping communities enhance tourism experiences, B.C. will increase its ability to compete as a premium destination.