NBCTA Distributes Provincial Funding to 13 Initiatives Within Rural Communities Most Impacted by 2019 Mill Closures and Curtailments

On behalf of the British Columbia Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, and Destination British Columbia, the Northern BC Tourism Association (NBCTA) is pleased to announce the funding of 13 projects under the provincial catalyst funding, established to mitigate the social and economic impacts of the 2019 mill closures on rural communities through strategic investment in tourism and the implementation of the Northern BC Destination Development Strategies.

“The people behind B.C.’s tourism industry have overcome many challenges such as mill closures and wildfires, and are now facing the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Melanie Mark, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “We are working with the industry to help business survive the pandemic and create new opportunities throughout the province so we’re stronger than ever when it is safe to welcome visitors again”

As one of five regional destination management organizations within the province of British Columbia, NBCTA received $200,000 in provincial catalyst funding to distribute within their region. After working collaboratively with community partners to prioritize the needs of residents and areas of greatest impact, NBCTA identified 13 projects in Northern BC as funding recipients.

“Communities throughout northern BC have felt the impacts of mill closures and curtailments, this funding is a key part of rebuilding resilience in those communities,” said Clint Fraser, Chief Executive Officer of NBCTA. “We are very pleased to be distributing funds to the communities most affected, knowing the new jobs and opportunities created will benefit residents and visitors alike.”

Selected communities and projects for the Catalyst Fund:

Fort St. James Tourism Plan - Development of a tourism plan will help identify experience and product gaps as well as guide future tourism investment and infrastructure planning in the community.
District of Fort St. James

Murray Ridge Ski Hill and Terrain Park Infrastructure Upgrades - This grant will allow the organization to upgrade their point-of-sale system to integrate with e-commerce, as well as frame the patio area to increase lodge capacity. This investment will improve tourism services for the community and allow for increased capacity to accommodate COVID-19 restrictions.
District of Fort St. James

Tourism Fort St. John Professional Services and Support - This grant will provide the newly-formed independent society with a business plan to identify priorities for the organization and sustainable funding opportunities, which will allow them to move forward as a sustainable Destination Management Organization (DMO).
Tourism Fort St. John, Fort St. John

Community Engagement and Revitalization of Tse’k’wa - This grant will provide support and professional services for community engagement and revitalization of the society’s business plan, which will move the goals of the society forward through the preparation of funding proposals to allow for sustainable, long-term development.
Tse’k’wa Heritage Society, Fort St. John

Mackenzie Tourism Plan - Development of a tourism plan will identify experience and product gaps as well as guide future tourism investment and infrastructure planning for the community.
District of Mackenzie

Morfee Mountain Downhill Project - This grant will support the archaeological assessment for this mountain bike trail development project on Morfee Mountain.
Mackenzie Outdoor Route & Trail Association, District of Mackenzie

Perimeter Trail - This grant will support the development of an inclusive and accessible trail that links with the greater trail network in the community and supports their development as a tourist destination for mountain biking.
Mackenzie Outdoor Route & Trail Association, District of Mackenzie

Facility Upgrades at the Pine Valley Exhibition Park - This grant will support facility upgrades, which will enhance the guest experience for regional and community events and allow the society to host more events for both residents and visitors.
Pine Valley Exhibition Park Society, District of Chetwynd

Trail Signage for Village of Fraser Lake - This grant will support signage for new and upgraded trails in the region which will enhance the trail usage experience for new and existing visitors.
Village of Fraser Lake

Houston Tourism Plan - Development of a Tourism plan will identify experience and product gaps as well as guide future tourism investment and infrastructure planning for the community.
Houston Chamber of Commerce, District of Houston

Trail Signage for Stellat’en First Nation - New trails have been developed along the river that now require signage. This signage will feature Indigenous language and will enhance the experience for new and existing visitors.
Stellat'en First Nation

Accessible Visitor Centre Upgrades - This grant will support the upgrading the wheelchair ramp at the Taylor Visitor Centre, which will make the ramp code compliant and more accessible for all users.
District of Taylor

Signage for Gotta Go Rest Stops - These funds will support the development of signage at the first two Gotta Go Rest Stops along the Alaska Highway.
Northern Rockies Regional Municipality, Gotta Go Partnership Group