News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
Canadian Tourism Labour Market Snapshot - March 2022
The latest report on the Canadian Tourism Labour Market has been released and reflects the status of employment in the sector for the month of March 2022. Overall, tourism employment experienced an uptick as the sector builds momentum toward recovery in the coming months; however, growth is hindered by employment losses in the accommodations industry and a higher than anticipated unemployment rate in transportation. When considering the robust tourism labour force pre-pandemic (2,117,700 workers in March 2019), it is clear that labour shortages remain across the country and throughout the tourism industries. Through other indicators such as the tourism unemployment rate which held strong in March, there is hope that momentum is building toward sector recovery.
The latest report on the Canadian Tourism Labour Market has been released and reflects the status of employment in the sector for the month of March 2022.
Overall, tourism employment experienced an uptick as the sector builds momentum toward recovery in the coming months; however, growth is hindered by employment losses in the accommodations industry and a higher than anticipated unemployment rate in transportation.
When considering the robust tourism labour force pre-pandemic (2,117,700 workers in March 2019), it is clear that labour shortages remain across the country and throughout the tourism industries. Through other indicators such as the tourism unemployment rate which held strong in March, there is hope that momentum is building toward sector recovery.
Reminder: Canada Recovery Hiring Program (CRHP) - Apply by May 7
While the Canada Recovery Hiring Program (CRHP) expires on May 7, 2022, the government will accept retroactive applications.
Intended to support recovery for businesses to hire employees or increase work hours of existing employees, the CRHP is a separate wage subsidy that runs parallel to the Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program (THRP) wage and rent subsidies, which also expire on May 7.
Programs Eligibility Requirements:
The CRHP provides up to 50% wage subsidies for new employees or for existing employees who are working increased hours or earn a higher wage. Eligible employers must have a revenue loss of more than 10% to qualify.
The CRHP is a separate wage subsidy that runs parallel to the Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program (THRP) wage and rent subsidies, which also expire on May 7.
Eligible employers can access either the CRHP or the THRP, but not both during the same period.
Eligible employers, who had an active payroll account as of March 2020 can access the CRHP.
The THRP subsidies require a minimum period-over-period revenue loss of at least 40% and some employers no longer meet the 40% revenue loss requirement to qualify for the THRP.
Unlike the THRP, applications to the CRHP can be made retroactively up to 180 days after the end of a period.
Applications to the CRHP are made through the same system as the THRP.
While the Canada Recovery Hiring Program (CRHP) expires on May 7, 2022, the government will accept retroactive applications.
Intended to support recovery for businesses to hire employees or increase work hours of existing employees, the CRHP is a separate wage subsidy that runs parallel to the Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program (THRP) wage and rent subsidies, which also expire on May 7.
A Reminder of the Programs Eligibility Requirements:
The CRHP provides up to 50% wage subsidies for new employees or for existing employees who are working increased hours or earn a higher wage. Eligible employers must have a revenue loss of more than 10% to qualify.
The CRHP is a separate wage subsidy that runs parallel to the Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program (THRP) wage and rent subsidies, which also expire on May 7.
Eligible employers can access either the CRHP or the THRP, but not both during the same period.
Eligible employers, who had an active payroll account as of March 2020 can access the CRHP.
The THRP subsidies require a minimum period-over-period revenue loss of at least 40% and some employers no longer meet the 40% revenue loss requirement to qualify for the THRP.
Unlike the THRP, applications to the CRHP can be made retroactively up to 180 days after the end of a period.
Applications to the CRHP are made through the same system as the THRP.
90% of Consumers Look for Sustainable Options when Booking Travel According to Expedia Research
New research released today by Expedia Group Media Solutions reveals that although 90% of consumers look for sustainable options when booking, 70% feel overwhelmed with navigating options and making the best choices to be a more sustainable traveler.
Conducted in partnership with Wakefield Research, the study included an online survey of 11,000 representative, general population adults ages 18+ in 11 global markets fielded between February 11 and March 6, 2022.
Key Takeaways
Travel brands should make sustainable travel information easier to understand and show the value and impact of responsible travel choices.
Travellers want to know that travel brands are committed to sustainability, not just checking a box.
Additional insights from the recently released Sustainable Travel study from Expedia Group Media Solutions included price and opportunities in sustainable travel.
New research released today by Expedia Group Media Solutions reveals that although 90% of consumers look for sustainable options when booking, 70% feel overwhelmed with navigating options and making the best choices to be a more sustainable traveler.
Conducted in partnership with Wakefield Research, the study included an online survey of 11,000 representative, general population adults ages 18+ in 11 global markets fielded between February 11 and March 6, 2022.
Key Takeaways
Travel brands should make sustainable travel information easier to understand and show the value and impact of responsible travel choices.
Travellers want to know that travel brands are committed to sustainability, not just checking a box.
Additional insights from the recently released Sustainable Travel study from Expedia Group Media Solutions included price and opportunities in sustainable travel.
Destination BC Invest in Iconics Update
Destination BC, together with strategic industry advisory groups, and ITBC are in the midst of developing new brand strategies for the various Iconic routes and places across the province. The Invest in Iconics Strategy for British Columbia is focused on creating globally compelling brands for routes and places across the province that will help disperse visitors as well as help BC stand out amongst the vast array of travel choices around the world. Place Branding will present the province in a new way to create storylines about destinations that will ignite the imaginations of travellers for years to come.
Destination BC, together with strategic industry advisory groups, and ITBC are in the midst of developing new brand strategies for the various Iconic routes and places across the province.
The Invest in Iconics Strategy for British Columbia is focused on creating globally compelling brands for routes and places across the province that will help disperse visitors as well as help BC stand out amongst the vast array of travel choices around the world. Place Branding will present the province in a new way to create storylines about destinations that will ignite the imaginations of travellers for years to come.
Human Resources Industry Toolkit - go2HR
The go2HR team developed an industry toolkit with employer HR resources for the coming season. The toolkit has downloadable and customizable resources that can help in the following areas of HR:
Recruitment
Onboarding
On the Job
Departure
From recruitment best practices to sample interview questions, including templates to manage employee performance, this HR Toolkit is a great resource whether you are hiring your first employee and not sure where to start, or you are an experienced manager looking to update current HR practices, policies, or procedures.
The go2HR team developed an industry toolkit with employer HR resources for the coming season. The toolkit has downloadable and customizable resources that can help in the following areas of HR:
Recruitment
Onboarding
On the Job
Departure
From recruitment best practices to sample interview questions, including templates to manage employee performance, this HR Toolkit is a great resource whether you are hiring your first employee and not sure where to start, or you are an experienced manager looking to update current HR practices, policies, or procedures.
YYF Penticton Airport Upgrade & Visit South Okanagan Posters
The Government of Canada recently renovated and expanded the YYF Penticton Airport terminal building, including new airline check-in counters, car rental kiosks, washrooms, and a visitor’s information booth. The upgraded facility also includes an expanded arrivals hall, security screening area and departure gates. The airport is also seeking a business for the upgraded food service area.
As part of the renovations, YYF added new signage, digital displays, and artwork throughout the terminal, including Visit South Okanagan posters for the South Okanagan destination community.
The Government of Canada recently renovated and expanded the YYF Penticton Airport terminal building, including new airline check-in counters, car rental kiosks, washrooms, and a visitor’s information booth. The upgraded facility also includes an expanded arrivals hall, security screening area and departure gates. The airport is also seeking a business for the upgraded food service area.
As part of the renovations, YYF added new signage, digital displays, and artwork throughout the terminal, including Visit South Okanagan posters for the South Okanagan destination community.
Survey | Actions to Reduce Single-Use Waste in BC (close June 21)
The Province is proposing a new regulation to reduce single-use and plastic waste by limiting or banning the use of certain single-use items. The regulation will complement and expand on the actions taken by B.C. municipalities and the federal government to tackle plastic waste and pollution. The survey also seeks your input on other actions to reduce plastic waste, address materials that are difficult to reuse or recycle, and keep what we do use working for us for longer. Engagement timelines: April 22 to June 21, 2022.
The Province is proposing a new regulation to reduce single-use and plastic waste by limiting or banning the use of certain single-use items. The regulation will complement and expand on the actions taken by BC municipalities and the federal government to tackle plastic waste and pollution.
The survey also seeks your input on other actions to reduce plastic waste, address materials that are difficult to reuse or recycle, and keep tools working for longer.
Engagement timelines: April 22 to June 21, 2022
go2HR Guide to Employment Help for Ukrainians
go2HR has prepared a guide to help BC tourism and hospitality employers who are keen to assist Ukrainian newcomers through employment, for those who are interested, but not sure if they can or how to start.
go2HR has prepared a guide to help BC tourism and hospitality employers who are keen to assist Ukrainian newcomers through employment, for those who are interested, but not sure if they can or how to start.
Hire Global Tourism Diploma Graduates
Immigration Services Society of BC (ISSofBC) provides support services for immigrants and refugees to help them get settled, find careers, and learn all they need to know about living in Canada. ISSofBC provides settlement, education, and employment services to over 20,000 clients every year. Approximately 20 students who recently completed the Global Tourism Diploma Program are looking for full and/or part-time employment in the industry, and many are available to start working immediately. For more information, contact Shelina Spilchen, Case Manager – Skills Training for Tourism at shelina.spilchen@issbc.org.
Immigration Services Society of BC (ISSofBC) provides support services for immigrants and refugees to help them get settled, find careers, and learn all they need to know about living in Canada. ISSofBC provides settlement, education, and employment services to over 20,000 clients every year.
Approximately 20 students who recently completed the Global Tourism Diploma Program are looking for full and/or part-time employment in the industry, and many are available to start working immediately.
For more information, contact Shelina Spilchen, Case Manager – Skills Training for Tourism at shelina.spilchen@issbc.org.
Tourism Events Program Applications Open Until May 31
The Province of BC has restarted the Tourism Events Program accepting applications until May 31, 2022. While historically an annual program, it was paused in spring 2020 due to pandemic restrictions and guidelines limiting gatherings. The Tourism Events Program (the program) provides funding for up to 10% of the total event budget up to a maximum of $250,000 per event (minimum of $10,000). Funds can also cover a range of marketing expenses. Eligible events are those that are in B.C. between October 1, 2022, and September 30, 2023, accessible to the public, and are generally sporting, arts, or cultural events.
The Province of BC has restarted the Tourism Events Program accepting applications until May 31, 2022. While historically an annual program, it was paused in spring 2020 due to pandemic restrictions and guidelines limiting gatherings.
The Tourism Events Program (the program) provides funding for up to 10% of the total event budget up to a maximum of $250,000 per event (minimum of $10,000). Funds can also cover a range of marketing expenses.
Eligible events are those that are in B.C. between October 1, 2022, and September 30, 2023, accessible to the public, and are generally sporting, arts, or cultural events.
Join 40-day Hospitality Hustle Challenge to Raise Awareness for BC Hospitality Foundation
The BC Hospitality Foundation invites you to join this year’s #HospitalityHustle. to help unite British Columbians to raise awareness for the Foundation, promote healthy lifestyle choices, and have some fun. Participants are encouraged to set a personal fitness goal, share their progress on social media, and tag #HospitalityHustle to connect with other participants. Each participant contributes to the Foundation’s “collective” progress map to help reach the goal of completing the route around BC three times. Individuals can also choose to fundraise for the Foundation - funds support industry colleagues facing financial crisis due to illness.
The BC Hospitality Foundation invites you to join this year’s #HospitalityHustle. to help unite British Columbians to raise awareness for the Foundation, promote healthy lifestyle choices, and have some fun.
Participants are encouraged to set a personal fitness goal, share their progress on social media, and tag #HospitalityHustle to connect with other participants. Each participant contributes to the Foundation’s “collective” progress map to help reach the goal of completing the route around BC three times.
Individuals can also choose to fundraise for the Foundation - funds support industry colleagues facing financial crisis due to illness.
Bobby Bissessar Wins Spirit of Kelowna Award
On Thursday, April 21, the Kelowna Hotel Motel Association held its 2021 Heart of Hospitality Awards virtually. The awards were started in 2017 as a way to recognize industry professionals who "have gone above and beyond to provide exceptional experiences to Kelowna and area visitors." Tourism Kelowna presented the "Spirit of Kelowna" award to this year's winner, Bobby Bissessar, Director of Sales & Marketing at The Cove Lakeside Resort. The "Spirit of Kelowna" award is presented to an individual who demonstrates the spirit of Kelowna's brand promise and the destination ambassador values of collaboration, excellence, pride, innovation, and integrity. Congrats Bobby!
On Thursday, April 21, the Kelowna Hotel Motel Association held its 2021 Heart of Hospitality Awards virtually. The awards were started in 2017 as a way to recognize industry professionals who "have gone above and beyond to provide exceptional experiences to Kelowna and area visitors."
Tourism Kelowna presented the "Spirit of Kelowna" award to this year's winner, Bobby Bissessar, Director of Sales & Marketing at The Cove Lakeside Resort. The "Spirit of Kelowna" award is presented to an individual who demonstrates the spirit of Kelowna's brand promise and the destination ambassador values of collaboration, excellence, pride, innovation, and integrity. Congrats Bobby!
BC Economic Development Award Winners Announced
The BC Economic Development Association (BCEDA) and FortisBC announced the winners of the 2022 BC Economic Development Awards, which recognizes BCEDA members for outstanding work in supporting their local economies, and making a meaningful difference in their communities. For over 30 years, the BCEDA has given these awards to individuals and groups who have dedicated their time to community-based economic development. Congratulations to all the 2022 BC Economic Development Award winners!
The BC Economic Development Association (BCEDA) and FortisBC announced the winners of the 2022 BC Economic Development Awards, which recognizes BCEDA members for outstanding work in supporting their local economies, and making a meaningful difference in their communities. For over 30 years, the BCEDA has given these awards to individuals and groups who have dedicated their time to community-based economic development.
Congratulations to all the 2022 BC Economic Development Award winners!
Thompson Okanagan winners include:
Economic Reconciliation Award (community less than 20,000 population): Neskonlith Indian Band for Chase Harper Collaborative Community Management Plan (CCMP)
Economic Development Marketing Innovation Award (community less than 20,000 population): Village of Ashcroft for Experience Ashcroft Pocket Guide
Canadian Tourism Labour Market Snapshot - March 2022
The latest report on the Canadian Tourism Labour Market has been released and reflects the status of employment in the sector for the month of March 2022.
Overall, tourism employment experienced an uptick as the sector builds momentum toward recovery in the coming months; however, growth is hindered by employment losses in the accommodations industry and a higher than anticipated unemployment rate in transportation.
When considering the robust tourism labour force pre-pandemic (2,117,700 workers in March 2019), it is clear that labour shortages remain across the country and throughout the tourism industries. Through other indicators such as the tourism unemployment rate which held strong in March, there is hope that momentum is building toward sector recovery.
The latest report on the Canadian Tourism Labour Market has been released and reflects the status of employment in the sector for the month of March 2022.
Overall, tourism employment experienced an uptick as the sector builds momentum toward recovery in the coming months; however, growth is hindered by employment losses in the accommodations industry and a higher than anticipated unemployment rate in transportation.
When considering the robust tourism labour force pre-pandemic (2,117,700 workers in March 2019), it is clear that labour shortages remain across the country and throughout the tourism industries. Through other indicators such as the tourism unemployment rate which held strong in March, there is hope that momentum is building toward sector recovery.
Job Opportunity: Director of Partnerships, Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada
ITAC is hiring for a Director of Partnerships to join its growing team. Reporting to the president and CEO, this position is responsible for supporting relationships, partnerships, as well as developing and implementing programs across Canada to establish and grow regional Indigenous tourism associations. The Director of Partnerships will oversee corporate communications, internal market research, international projects, and memberships. The Director of Partnerships will also work with and support the Executive Management team, including the president and CEO, as it relates to partnerships.
ITAC is hiring for a Director of Partnerships to join its growing team. Reporting to the president and CEO, this position is responsible for supporting relationships, partnerships, as well as developing and implementing programs across Canada to establish and grow regional Indigenous tourism associations.
The Director of Partnerships will oversee corporate communications, internal market research, international projects, and memberships. The Director of Partnerships will also work with and support the Executive Management team, including the president and CEO, as it relates to partnerships.
Glohaven Community Hub Partnership With Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada
Glohaven Community Hub, a Thompson Okanagan software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform empowering tourism communities with innovative and sustainable destination management solutions, has announced a partnership with the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) to amplify the voices of Indigenous-owned tourism businesses and to provide consumers with the opportunity to demonstrate economic reconciliation by consciously shopping for and supporting the unique products and experiences of Indigenous creators.
Glohaven Community Hub, a Thompson Okanagan software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform empowering tourism communities with innovative and sustainable destination management solutions, has announced a partnership with the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC).
In recognition of the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, Glohaven and ITAC are collaborating to amplify the voices of Indigenous-owned tourism businesses and to provide consumers with the opportunity to demonstrate economic reconciliation by consciously shopping for and supporting the unique products and experiences of Indigenous creators.
The objective of the partnership between Glohaven and ITAC is to provide Indigenous tourism communities and businesses with the digital infrastructure and direct-to-consumer sales channels they need to be more accessible to a broader audience of socially conscious consumers in the online world.
Glohaven and ITAC recognize the power of working together, leveraging each other’s unique skills and resources to support Indigenous tourism businesses with innovative, creative, and tangible sales and marketing solutions. Furthermore, this partnership contributes to the performance of Canada’s visitor economy as a sustainable Indigenous tourism destination.
About Glohaven Community Hub
Glohaven is a community of people who’ve come together for the purpose of making tourism in Canada more innovative.
With a heart and soul for ‘local,’ Glohaven cares about people, the planet, and profits that create meaningful, impactful change.
Glohaven’s digital community hub is built from the “Inside Out” starting at the community level. Every community and its members can participate in the collaborative process to create a locally represented, inclusive online marketplace that reflects the unique products, values, and culture of each community.
Glohaven is currently testing an open Beta version of its platform. This means Glohaven is not done developing the platform, but has enough features built to run the platform at its minimum functionality. Over time, the functionality of the platform will increase and new features will appear.
About The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada
The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) is a national non-profit Indigenous tourism industry organization established in 2015. ITAC is the lead organization tasked with growing and promoting the Indigenous tourism industry across the country. Inspired by a vision for a thriving Indigenous tourism economy sharing authentic, memorable and enriching experiences, ITAC develops relationships with groups and regions with similar mandates to enable collective support, product development, promotion and marketing of authentic Indigenous tourism businesses in a respectful protocol.
The head office of ITAC is located in Vancouver, BC, on the unceded territory of the Coast Salish peoples, including the territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓ əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and Sə̓lílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
New Measures to Address Canada’s Labour Shortage
The Government of Canada made several announcements to streamline the process and improve access to international workers for businesses, to assist in recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Government of Canada announced that Express Entry draws will soon resume and that invitations for candidates to apply for permanent residence will begin in early July. The vast majority of new applications will be processed within the 6-month service standard.
Canada also announced a policy that will allow over 50,000 international students to stay and work in Canada for an additional 18 months if they are applying for permanent residency in 2022.
Finally, Canada announced new measures for those who applied for permanent residence through the temporary resident to permanent resident pathway last year. The limited-time pathway was launched in 2021 to invite a broad range of individuals already working in Canada to apply to stay permanently. While closed to new applications since November 2021, the processing of applications will continue for some time.
Taking effect this summer, the policy changes announced include:
Applicants will no longer be required to remain in Canada while their application is being processed.
Applicants who apply for an open work permit while waiting for their permanent residence application to be finalized will be able to get work permits valid until the end of 2024. This will ensure that all permanent residence applications will be finalized before applicants will need to apply to extend their temporary status again.
To support family reunification, immediate family members who are outside Canada and who were included in a principal applicant’s permanent residence application will be eligible for their own open work permit.
Destination BC and Indigenous Tourism BC Present: Illahee
In April, Destination BC with ITBC launched Illahee: a video series featuring Indigenous story tellers, to help audiences deepen their connection with BC’s nature by listening to three Indigenous leaders describe their unique relationships to the land and sea.
One of the videos features Chief Frank Antoine of the Bonaparte First Nation, sharing what he’s learned by listening to the wind in the mountains of the Thompson Okanagan.
The videos will be shared with consumers through paid and owned channels as part of the extensive global BC Effect marketing campaign.
Illahee means “our lands and our place within them.” Choosing this name honours the intent of the Chinook Jargon Language to serve as a means of connecting people from diverse backgrounds to each other and to these lands.
In April, Destination BC with ITBC launched Illahee: a video series featuring Indigenous story tellers, to help audiences deepen their connection with BC’s nature by listening to three Indigenous leaders describe their unique relationships to the land and sea.
One of the videos features Chief Frank Antoine of the Bonaparte First Nation, sharing what he’s learned by listening to the wind in the mountains of the Thompson Okanagan.
The videos will be shared with consumers through paid and owned channels as part of the extensive global BC Effect marketing campaign.
Illahee means “our lands and our place within them.” Choosing this name honours the intent of the Chinook Jargon Language to serve as a means of connecting people from diverse backgrounds to each other and to these lands.
Government of Canada announces additional easing of border measures effective April 25
The Government of Canada announced further changes to Canada's border measures for certain eligible travellers. Effective April 25, 2022, the following easing of border measures will come into effect:
Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated children aged 5-11 who are accompanied by a fully vaccinated parent, step-parent, guardian or tutor will no longer be required to complete a pre-entry COVID-19 test for entry to Canada.
Pre-entry tests will still be required for partially vaccinated or unvaccinated travellers 12 and older who are currently eligible to travel to Canada. Children under 5 years of age are not required to provide a COVID-19 test result.
All fully vaccinated travellers will no longer be required to provide a quarantine plan upon entry. This requirement will also be removed for children aged 5-11 who are accompanied by a fully vaccinated parent, step-parent, guardian, or tutor and travellers with a medical contraindication to a COVID-19 vaccine.
Furthermore, fully vaccinated travellers arriving to Canada after April 25, 2022, will no longer be federally required to do the following for 14 days after arriving:
mask while in public spaces;
monitor and report if they develop signs or symptoms;
quarantine if another traveller in the same travel group exhibits signs or symptoms or tests positive; and
maintain a list of close contacts and locations visited.
All travellers are still required to use ArriveCAN (free mobile app or website) to provide mandatory travel information within 72 hours of their arrival to Canada and/or before boarding a plane or cruise ship destined for Canada.
The Government of Canada announced further changes to Canada's border measures for certain eligible travellers. Effective April 25, 2022, the following easing of border measures will come into effect:
Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated children aged 5-11 who are accompanied by a fully vaccinated parent, step-parent, guardian or tutor will no longer be required to complete a pre-entry COVID-19 test for entry to Canada.
Pre-entry tests will still be required for partially vaccinated or unvaccinated travellers 12 and older who are currently eligible to travel to Canada. Children under 5 years of age are not required to provide a COVID-19 test result.
All fully vaccinated travellers will no longer be required to provide a quarantine plan upon entry. This requirement will also be removed for children aged 5-11 who are accompanied by a fully vaccinated parent, step-parent, guardian, or tutor and travellers with a medical contraindication to a COVID-19 vaccine.
Furthermore, fully vaccinated travellers arriving to Canada after April 25, 2022, will no longer be federally required to do the following for 14 days after arriving:
mask while in public spaces;
monitor and report if they develop signs or symptoms;
quarantine if another traveller in the same travel group exhibits signs or symptoms or tests positive; and
maintain a list of close contacts and locations visited.
All travellers are still required to use ArriveCAN (free mobile app or website) to provide mandatory travel information within 72 hours of their arrival to Canada and/or before boarding a plane or cruise ship destined for Canada.
SASCU supports the Shuswap North Okanagan Rail Trail with $50,000
The Shuswap North Okanagan Rail Trail celebrated Earth Day with an announcement of a $50,000 donation from Salmon Arm Savings and Credit Union (SASCU) Financial Group toward the construction of the rail trail.
In Splatsin history, the railway represented a division of land and a loss of resources. Projects such as this one provide an opportunity for all involved to partake in reconciliation and to work together towards a common goal.
The economic and land management benefits are the tip of the iceberg; the rail trail will promote a healthy lifestyle and exercise, family outings, the appreciation of nature and knowledge of the land as well as an improved understanding of the Secwepemc values and culture.
The announcement was made at Splatsin Community Centre where the first pilot section will be constructed between Splatsin and Enderby. The second section approved for construction will begin in Sicamous (km 0) to Mara (km 19.8) to address rock scaling, road crossings, bridge decking, safety signage, preliminary grading, and erosion.
The Capital Fundraising Campaign encourages corporate and community donors to support the rail trail project by making donations, as many grant applications require a matching financial commitment to qualify. All contributions are tax-deductible. Every dollar donated is leveraged for grants to construct additional kilometres on the rail trail.
The Shuswap North Okanagan Rail Trail celebrated Earth Day with an announcement of a $50,000 donation from Salmon Arm Savings and Credit Union (SASCU) Financial Group toward the construction of the rail trail.
In Splatsin history, the railway represented a division of land and a loss of resources. Projects such as this one provide an opportunity for all involved to partake in reconciliation and to work together towards a common goal.
The economic and land management benefits are the tip of the iceberg; the rail trail will promote a healthy lifestyle and exercise, family outings, the appreciation of nature and knowledge of the land as well as an improved understanding of the Secwepemc values and culture.
The announcement was made at Splatsin Community Centre where the first pilot section will be constructed between Splatsin and Enderby. The second section approved for construction will begin in Sicamous (km 0) to Mara (km 19.8) to address rock scaling, road crossings, bridge decking, safety signage, preliminary grading, and erosion.
The Capital Fundraising Campaign encourages corporate and community donors to support the rail trail project by making donations, as many grant applications require a matching financial commitment to qualify. All contributions are tax-deductible. Every dollar donated is leveraged for grants to construct additional kilometres on the rail trail.