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
Tourism Prince Rupert is proud to announce that with the delivery and installation of our final two containers, our new outdoor marketplace in Cow Bay is complete and open for business! With the official opening of the site comes an opportunity to give it a name that pays homage to the long history of the land upon which it is situated. We are thrilled to reveal that the market site will now officially be named the "Lax Süülda Container Market."
The name was selected with support, direction, and permission from the Ts’msyen Sm’algyax Language Authority. In Sm’algyax, the language of the Ts’msyen People, “Lax Süülda” means “on the ocean.” The name choice highlights the importance and significance of Ts’msyen language and culture in Prince Rupert, as well as the community's deep-rooted connection to the ocean and surrounding environment.
The Lax Süülda Container Market features refurbished shipping containers transformed into vibrant and weather-protected mini shops, providing an exceptional opportunity for regional small businesses, artists, and vendors to showcase their products to visitors and cruise ship passengers. The containers are fully accessible with wheelchair ramps available for each and intentional spacing to allow for mobility around the site. The marketplace's unique aesthetic and location aims to create a memorable experience for all who visit. With the summer season already well underway, we look forward to greeting visitors and locals alike at our new marketplace throughout the 2023 season. Prince Rupert is expecting 52 cruise calls this season, bringing over 80,000 passengers in total to BC’s North Coast.
Seed Funding for the Development of the Lax Süülda Container Market was provided by Northern BC Tourism Association (NBCTA) through the Province of BC’s Targeted Regional Tourism Development Initiative Fund (TRTDI). As part of StrongerBC: BC’s Economic Recovery Plan, the province’s six tourism regions received a total of $13.6 million to create employment opportunities, attract new businesses and increase economic diversification within communities.
Support for land-use and the installation of electrical at the site is provided by the Prince Rupert Port Authority.
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“Our government is proud to support the tourism sector in northern B.C., the people who work in it, and its sustained recovery,” said Lana Popham, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “By supporting the Prince Rupert Lax Süülda Container Market, we are investing in tourism infrastructure that is sustainable and innovative, shining a light on Indigenous stories and strengthening community vibrancy for residents and visitors alike.
“Tourism Prince Rupert is thrilled to open this site and provide new opportunities for local small businesses, vendors, and artisans on the North Coast to access the international market created by the cruise sector. We are grateful to the Ts’msyen Sm’algyax Language Authority for their support of our work and for their guidance in the selection of the name ‘Lax Süülda Container Market.’ The name will serve as a testament to the significance of Ts’msyen culture in Prince Rupert and provide visitors with an immediate glimpse into our community’s vibrant culture,” says Ceilidh Marlow, Executive Director of Tourism Prince Rupert.
“Projects such as the Lax Süülda Container Market strengthen the visitor experience and enhance
resident quality of life in the north. Northern BC Tourism Association is committed to the sustainable development of the tourism sector in northern B.C. and it’s fantastic to be supporting tangible infrastructure and experiences such as this,” says Clint Fraser, Chief Executive Officer of Northern BC Tourism Association.
“The Lax Süülda Container Market aligns with the Prince Rupert Port Authority’s efforts to improve Prince Rupert’s waterfront for the benefit of the community and generate new opportunities for local small businesses, community groups and artisans by showcasing what makes our community unique from other destinations in the northwest and Alaska cruise ports of call,” said Shaun Stevenson, President and CEO of the Prince Rupert Port Authority. “Adding renewed energy and vibrance to Cow Bay, the market helps enhance the experience for visitors and residents exploring the area.”
This project aligns with the Northwestern BC Destination Development Strategy, which notes the importance of support the continued development of infrastructure and shore excursions to encourage sustainable growth in the cruise ship sector, which benefits the entire Northern BC region.
Cycle 16 is a 12-kilometer multi-use trail that will seamlessly connect Telkwa and Smithers. This paved trail is a game-changer, providing a safe transportation option for people of all ages and fitness levels.
Last Saturday, June 10th, they celebrated the Grand Opening of Phase 1, exactly one year after the groundbreaking in 2022! The event brought together cyclists of all ages, joined by guest speakers including Smithers Mayor Gladys Atrill, Telkwa Mayor Brad Layton, Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako Director Mark Parker, and the lively Emcee, Stikine MLA Nathan Cullen. It was a community effort, with local radio station CICK providing the speakers and enthusiastic cyclists generating power so everyone could hear. As we mark this significant milestone, we eagerly look forward to the next phase, excitedly anticipating the trail's expansion and the increased connectivity it will bring to our region.
Through the Province of BC's TRTD fund, Northern BC Tourism Association supported the development and installation of the bench and informational kiosk at the scenic viewpoing where the grand opening of Phase 1 took place.
The project supports goals and actions from the Northwestern BC Destination Development Strategy by continuing to improve trails and trail networks to meet the needs and interests of existing and future visitors.
Congratulations to the Cycle 16 Trail Society who have worked hard to achieve this milestone!
Pictured above: Behind the scenes of a content shoot featuring the arts & trails TRTD project. This content production is in partnership with Freehub Magazine.
Through the Province's Stronger BC economic recovery plan (Targeted Regional Tourism Development Initiative - TRTDI) is funding the Art, Sculpture & Trail Initiative. This initiative developed partnerships between Northern BC Tourism Association, Western Canada Mountain Bike Tourism Association, the Nisga’a Village of Gitwinksihlkw, the City of Terrace, and mountain biking organizations for Terrace (TORCA) and Burns Lake (Ride Burns). Patrick Lucas, founder of the Indigenous Mountain Bike Program is the project advisor and the one who originally conceptualized this project.
The partners are installing outdoor art pieces on low use/impact mountain bike trail networks to enhance the visitor experience through sharing stories or a connection with the land and to motivate and inspire the visitor to extend their visit and explore more of the community.
Our content team recently visited the northwest to meet with and interview the talented artists (Leona Price and Kobe Antonie for Burns Lake, Kari Morgan for the Nisga'a Village of Gitwinkihlkw, and Steve Rogers for the City of Terrace). This behind the scenes content capture will document the process of the Art, Sculpture & Trail Initiative from concept to installation and will be used to develop a large-scale, multi-media project in partnership with Freehub Magazine.
This initiative hopes to build upon successes and to continue to enhance the Ride North 16 experience to further establish the region as a unique mountain biking destination.
Through the Province of BC's Targeted Regional Tourism Development Initiative Fund (TRTDI), Northern BC Tourism Association, Ride Valemount (VARDA) and other sponsors, were able to fund the construction of the Zen Garden Trail and two kiosks in the new Swift Creek staging area at Valemount Bike Park.
This project, adds more variety to the trail network and has become popular with new riders, hikers, runners along with the biking community. The trail encompasses nearly 200 meters of board walk and 9 bridges crossing a creek!
"The Zen Garden has become so much more than just an mountain biking trail. Many non-biking members of our community have visited the trail just to walk, sit, listen and relax in the beautiful area. Our community offers a huge thank you to Northern BC Tourism for supporting this great initiative." Curtis Pawliuk, General Manager, VARDA
The funding for this project is part of a larger allotment of funding to mountain bike clubs and associations throughout Northern BC, which is meant to elevate the mountain biking experience in the region through infrastructure, trail and signage upgrades at mountain bike trail networks throughout the region. Develop signage at multiple mountain biking locations that link the different trail networks together and create a more cohesive visitor experience.
These projects directly support actions in both the Northwest and Northeast Destination Development Plan by building on the provincial mountain biking sector work and the Northern BC Mountain Bike Strategy that have been completed to further develop mountain biking in areas of Northern BC that have the attributes that would make them competitive.
January 11, 2022
Prince George, BC - Accessible washrooms, trail upgrades and new signage are just a few of the completed projects in Northern BC this year as part of the Province of BC’s Targeted Regional Tourism Development Initiative Fund (TRTDI).
In early 2021, Northern BC Tourism Association, in partnership with community destination management organizations, the Northwest and Northeast planning area Destination Development Advisory Committees, local and regional governments, First Nations, non-profits, and other partners, worked together to identify initiatives that will enhance the region’s tourism amenities and experiences.
“I am very pleased to see the progress on these accessibility and Indigenous culture focused projects in the Northern region, especially during these very challenging times,” said Melanie Mark, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “Throughout the pandemic we heard from tourism organizations that they needed investment to support regional projects. These projects demonstrate how tourism infrastructure not only support projects that showcase more of what the region has to offer, but also strengthen community connection and create jobs in the future.”
Projects completed or near completion in 2021 include:
“Inclusive by Design is grateful for the funding from Northern BC Tourism Association, which is supporting us in increasing access to Northern BC’s outdoor recreation spaces. We have completed two of the planned eight installations of accessible amenities, which are a combination of outhouses, picnic tables and benches,” said Janis Neufeld, CEO of Inclusive by Design. “The manufacturing and installations are employing individuals with a disability and barriers to employment. Building spaces without barriers improves access and participation for everyone, which in turn builds community as we encounter new friends and new ideas in these shared and welcoming spaces.”
“The Tumbler Ridge Mountain Bike Association (TRMBA) in partnership with Northern BC Tourism were able to accomplish a large and exciting project for Tumbler Ridge and the North in 2021; the Tumbler Ridge Pump Track!” said Jane Butters, TRMBA President. “This project was three years in the making and has had a tremendous impact on Tumbler Ridge in it's short existence. Tumbler Ridge has seen visitors at the track from every community within the North, and many communities from around BC and Alberta. These visitors support the accommodation, tourism, and food industries. The track is a new and exciting hot spot and is constantly busy. The Velosolutions Pump Track has created some very exciting anticipation of biking development in the North and TRMBA is excited, and thankful, to have had Northern BC Tourism as a partner for this project.”
TRTDI funded initiatives still underway in the region include implementing a comprehensive place-making signage strategy for the North, supporting multiple small First Nations communities to tell their stories through cultural and wayfinding signage and multiple accessibility and infrastructure upgrades to trails around the region through Rec Sites and Trails BC.
“Northern BC Tourism Association is committed to the sustainable development of the tourism sector in northern B.C. and it’s fantastic to be supporting these tangible infrastructure upgrades and installations happening across the region. Not only do they advance important actions and objectives from our 10-year Destination Development Strategies, but they also strengthen the visitor experience and enhance resident quality of life in the north,” said Clint Fraser, CEO, Northern BC Tourism Association.
As part of StrongerBC: BC’s Economic Recovery Plan, the province’s six tourism regions received a total of $13.6 million to create employment opportunities, attract new businesses and increase economic diversification within communities.
The Targeted Regional Tourism Initiative is one of three infrastructure investment programs for tourism as part of StrongerBC, including the Community Economic Recovery Infrastructure program, Destination Development and the Tourism Dependent Communities Initiative. The approved projects must be completed by March 2023.
Learn More:
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
April Moi, Destination Development Specialist
Northern BC Tourism Association
250-793-0062
Jennifer Moore, Business Resiliency Specialist
Northern BC Tourism Association
250-262-2714
Through the Province of BC's Targeted Regional Tourism Development Initiative Fund (TRTDI), which Northern BC Tourism Association is managing and distributing, money was invested in the Tumbler Ridge Pump Track, which opened in July 2020.
This looped and bermed paved track is the first of its kind in Northeast BC and offers a low-impact activity that is accessible to participants of virtually all demographics. The development of this pump track supports ongoing development of world-class mountain biking in Tumbler Ridge, as well as providing a central gathering place and important amenity for the local community.
The funding for this project is part of a larger allotment of funding to mountain bike clubs and associations throughout Northern BC, which is meant to elevate the mountain biking experience in the region through infrastructure, trail and signage upgrades at mountain bike trail networks throughout the region. Develop signage at multiple mountain biking locations that link the different trail networks together and create a more cohesive visitor experience.
These projects directly supports actions in both the Northwest and Northeast Destination Development Plan by building on the provincial mountain biking sector work and the Northern BC Mountain Bike Strategy that have been completed to further develop mountain biking in areas of Northern BC that have the attributes that would make them competitive.
Through Targeted Regional Tourism Development Initiative Funding (TRTDI) and a partnership with BC Parks, a new accessible pit toilet has been installed along the Alaska Highway at Buckinghorse River.
Amenities such as this are valuable assets for visitors and also important for corridor development work in Northern BC.
Through the Province of BC's Targeted Regional Tourism Development Initiative Fund (TRTDI), Northern BC Tourism Association has funded the installation of Universally Accessible Infrastructure at eight high use visitor sites in the region.
This project will increase the presence of facilities, infrastructure, and services that support universal design which enhances the experience for residents and visitors of all abilities as noted in the Northeast Destination Development Strategy.
To date, two sites in Northeast BC have been completed.
The photo of the green outhouse shows what was at the trail head prior to this installation, not only inaccessible but also located on a hill. The new outhouse was installed in an accessible location and is Universally Designed.
“Inclusive by Design is grateful for the funding from Northern BC Tourism Association, which is supporting us in increasing access to Northern BC’s outdoor recreation spaces. We have completed two of the planned eight installations of accessible amenities, which are a combination of outhouses, picnic tables and benches,” says Janis Neufeld, CEO of Inclusive by Design. “The manufacturing and installations are employing individuals with a disability and barriers to employment. Building spaces without barriers improves access and participation for everyone, which in turn builds community as we encounter new friends and new ideas in these shared and welcoming spaces.”
In early 2021, Northern BC Tourism Association received $2.3 million to invest in regional tourism development.
As part of the Province’s Stronger BC economic recovery plan B.C.’s six tourism regions will receive a total of $13.6 million to create employment opportunities, attract new businesses and spur economic diversification within communities.
Twelve new destination and tourism infrastructure developments are underway in the northern B.C. tourism region with support from the Province.
“We know recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic for businesses and people in the tourism sector are critically important. This fund creates new tourism infrastructure, which will help the sector recover, create local jobs and spur economic development,” said Melanie Mark, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “Building on the calls to action from the sector, this fund invests in initiatives that link communities together and encourages visitors to spend time at several destinations within a region.”
Northern BC Tourism Association, in partnership with community destination management organizations, local and regional governments, First Nations, non-profits and other partners, have worked together to identify initiatives that will enhance the region’s tourism amenities and experiences.
Initiatives underway in the northern B.C. tourism region include investing in accessibility adaptations at multiple recreation sites to improve access, implementing a comprehensive place-making signage strategy for the North and supporting multiple small First Nations communities to tell their stories through cultural and wayfinding signage.
Examples in other parts of the province include improvement of trail systems throughout a region for hiking, Nordic skiing or mountain biking, self-guided tour signage to highlight agri-tourism areas and a series of Indigenous landmarks throughout a region. The Province has provided $2.3 million toward these projects.
“Northern BC Tourism Association is excited for this tremendous opportunity to further develop the tourism sector in northern B.C. As a result of working closely with partners from across the region, we have identified key initiatives that will not only advance important actions and objectives from the region’s 10-year Destination Development plans, but will also significantly strengthen the visitor experience and enhance resident quality of life throughout northern B.C.,” said Clint Fraser, CEO, Northern BC Tourism Association.
As part of StrongerBC: BC’s Economic Recovery Plan, the province’s six tourism regions have received a total of $13.6 million to create employment opportunities, attract new businesses and increase economic diversification within communities.
The Targeted Regional Tourism Initiative is one of three infrastructure investment programs for tourism as part of StrongerBC, including the Community Economic Recovery Infrastructure program, Destination Development and the Tourism Dependent Communities Initiative. The approved projects must be completed by March 2023.
Quotes:
Nathan Cullen, MLA for Stikine –
“This new funding is really important for the people and businesses within our tourism industry. It not only benefits our local communities through the creation of jobs, but it also encourages visitors to stay in our community and experience everything it has to offer.”
Janis Neufeld, COO, Kootenay Adaptive Sport Association (KASA) and Inclusive by Design –
“Inclusive by Design, a subsidiary of KASA, is excited to be part of improving access to outdoor recreation in B.C. for both residents and visitors. Our project will not only improve accessibility in the province, it is also providing training and employing individuals with a disability, increasing employment for members of a community severely impacted by the pandemic. So, the work will be done by people who will directly benefit from the improvements being made – a source of pride as well as employment.”
Click here for a full list of TRTDI projects funded in the province.
Our summit will bring together industry experts, travel enthusiasts, and local businesses to discuss the latest trends, strategies, and opportunities in Northern BC's tourism sector.
Expect engaging discussions, insightful keynote speakers, and interactive workshops that will equip you with valuable knowledge and insights. Connect with like-minded individuals, forge new partnerships, and gain inspiration to take the tourism sector to the next level in the region.
