Investing in Pacific National Exhibition helps maintain tourist destination 

Funding includes support for year-round activities and seasonal favourites, including a new roller coaster

Vancouver – Tourism experiences and attractions celebrate the best of British Columbia’s beauty and culture. They create job opportunities, stimulate local economies and make B.C. a destination of choice for visitors from around the world. The Government of Canada is taking action to help position iconic tourism attractions for an even brighter future.

Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), announced $10 million in PacifiCan funding through the Tourism Relief Fund for the Pacific National Exhibition (PNE).

Founded in 1910, the PNE provides over 2.5 million visitors a year with first-class cultural, sporting and family entertainment. PacifiCan funding will help ensure the PNE remains a vibrant anchor attraction for years to come by improving accessibility and creating year-round events. This investment will include support for a new roller coaster at the Playland Amusement Park, site upgrades for Fright Nights and the PNE Winter Fair, and sensory pods for neurodiverse guests.

With PacifiCan’s support, the PNE is expected to create and maintain over 100 jobs this year and into the future. Most employment opportunities will be directed toward underrepresented groups, including youth, women, new Canadians and Indigenous workers. With 50 per cent of employees under the age of 21, the PNE remains one the largest employer of youth in British Columbia, providing critical low-barrier job opportunities.

Projects like these help communities and businesses in British Columbia welcome visitors from near and far, improve community wellness, create jobs and grow the local economy.