Kelowna – British Columbia is home to breathtaking natural attractions and outdoor recreation experiences that bring the world to our doorstep. Tourism is important to Canada’s economy and creates good jobs in communities, from major city centres to rural and remote areas, to Indigenous communities. In the Thompson Okanagan, tourism business owners, operators and entrepreneurs have ambitious plans and PacifiCan is here to support those ambitions.
Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), announced $727,500 in funding through PacifiCan’s Tourism Growth Program for four organizations based in the Thompson Okanagan. This funding will help enhance outdoor recreation, increase visitors to smaller communities and promote sustainable tourism in B.C.’s southern interior.
As part of this announcement, the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Foundation is receiving $250,000 in funding to restore the historic Adra Tunnel on the Kettle Valley Rail Trail in Naramata. Revitalizing the tunnel will preserve a vital piece of B.C.’s rail heritage, connect communities across the Okanagan, and attract more visitors to the region. Originally built for trains, the tunnel will soon be a pathway for hikers and cyclists, allowing outdoor enthusiasts to access and explore this early 20th-century landmark.
Silver Star Freestyle Club is receiving $250,000 to create a state-of-the-art freestyle ski and snowboard training park at SilverStar Mountain Resort in Vernon. This new facility will feature specialized equipment, including a landing airbag and a variety of terrain features to accommodate athletes of all skill levels. The project is expected to elevate the resort’s global reputation as a top destination for year-round activities, provide provincial, national and international snow sport training opportunities, and draw more visitors to the region.
Other investments included in today’s announcements are:
- $65,000 for Hunters Range Snowmobile Association to upgrade its grooming equipment and trail infrastructure in Enderby for an improved rider experience
- $162,500 for Wine Growers British Columbia Society to create a user-friendly trip planning resource on its website
More details about the organizations receiving funding can be found in the backgrounder here.
Projects like the ones announced today deliver memorable experiences for Canadian and international visitors alike. They create jobs, grow the local economy, enrich communities, and put B.C. on the map as a destination of choice.
“From majestic mountains to captivating coastlines, British Columbia has what tourists want. That’s why we’re helping B.C.’s tourism industry grow and thrive through the Tourism Growth Program. This important funding means that businesses and organizations can expand, create jobs and attract more tourists to the Lower Mainland. I look forward to seeing the difference it makes in the years to come!” – Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec