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.
Learn More:
QUOTES:
“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!
NBCTA, Destination BC, and Indigenous Tourism BC have scheduled destination development planning sessions to create a regional destination development strategy that integrates the results from our Northeast and Northwest Destination Development Strategies. This important work will also prepare the region for success to deliver iconic experiences as part of Destination BC’s Invest in Iconics Strategy. Your participation is critical to the success of the destination development process.
Five in-person workshops will take place in June and July. Discussions kick off with a 3.5-hour introductory session the evening before the full-day session. Please register for the evening and full day separately through the Eventbrite format.
The May 17 and May 23 virtual sessions looked at the investments in destination development projects and progress made to date. Recordings are available here.
Collectively, tourism champions will review the progress to date, identify gaps and future opportunities and gain an understanding of the status of tourism interests and the capacity of all communities. The importance of providing input in this bottom-up process cannot be understated. With NBCTA’s support, the Indigenous engagement to involve community members and businesses is led by ITBC’s Northeast and Central Indigenous Tourism Specialist, Angela Keech (angela@indigenousbc.com) or Northwest Indigenous Tourism Specialist, Shawna Gosnell (shawna@indigenousbc.com).
If you are unable to attend the in-person workshop at a location near you but would like to provide input, please contact april@nbctourism.com. We will gladly arrange a one-to-one discussion so that you can contribute to this important work.
Kick-off: Virtual Sessions
In-person Workshops
Lheidli T’enneh Territory | Prince George
Wet’suwet’en Territory | Smithers
Kitselas and Kitsumkalum Territory | Terrace
Tsimshian First Territory | Prince Rupert
Treaty 8 Territory | Fort St. John
Overall, the outcome is intended to help guide and manage tourism growth, increase the competitiveness and visitor spend of the Northern Region, as well as enhance the quality of life for local residents. To learn more or to confirm your interest in participating, please email april@nbctourism.com
We are thrilled to announce the winners of the Northern BC Spark Program after the finalist pitch session on January 11, 2023.
The three finalists who made winning pitches for the Northern BC “Spark” Program were each awarded a $3,000 seed grant and mentorship to help them get started with their new tourism ideas.
Click here
to read the full media releaseIn 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.
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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.
