NBCTA provides seed funding for the project through the Province of BC's Targeted Regional Tourism Development Initiative (TRTDI) and covers gathering the content, design, and installation of these signs. Before proceeding, long-term maintenance agreements for the care of the signs must be in place. The Thematic Framework and Great Northern Circle Route Signage Master Plan remain guiding documents. The Thematic Framework is the foundation for the interpretive signage for the family of signs identified in the Great Northern Circle Route Signage Master Plan.
The signage project has been divided into three phases. Phase 1 signs for the 5 Alaska Highway rest stops are entering the fabrication stage, with installation in the spring. The majority of the signs for Phase 2 are slated for iconic locations such as the Tumbler Ridge UNESCO Global Geopark, Mile Zero of the Alaska Highway, the Ancient Forest, Fort St James Historic Site, Hudson Bay Mountain, 'Ksan Historic Village, Bear and Salmon Glacier and potentially Nisg̱a'a Memorial Lava Bed Park. (These iconic locations were determined through the Destination Development process, which has been ongoing since 2017 and included extensive outreach alongside Indigenous Tourism BC.) In most cases, long-term maintenance agreements are in place, and plans for gathering the content for the stories on the panels are shaping up. All the signs are to be installed by the end of August 2024.
As for Phase 3, we encourage all communities, regional districts, and First Nations to consider their signage needs and to contact us to discuss how we can expand NBCTA's Iconic Destination Signage Project. Overall, the program seeks to enhance the visitor experience by facilitating a deeper understanding of the region's connections and diversity. These interpretive and wayfinding signs and improved signage and storytelling throughout the region are also expected to enhance the quality of life for residents in the Northern Tourism Region. To learn more, please get in touch with April Moi, april@nbctourism.com or Martina Bancroft, martina@nbctourism.com
