Province announces $1 million to help communities affected by mill closures

Feb 5, 2020 | 2:28 PM

The province is shelling out $1 million to rural communities affected by recent mill closures.

The money, according to the province, is designated for communities to develop their own tourism initiatives with the hopes of it bringing new jobs to a stifled economy.

“British Columbia is an amazing place with unparalleled natural beauty that we are proud to invite the world to come explore,” Premier John Horgan said in a statement.

“This tourism investment will help bring new visitors to rural communities throughout the province, while also helping diversify and boost local economies.”

The provincial funds will be distributed to five regional destination marketing organizations: Cariboo Chicotin Coast, Kootenay Rockies, Northern B.C., Thompson Okanagan, and Vancouver Island.

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Each organization will receive $200,000 for strategic planning and destination development initiatives.

“As the tourism market continues to expand globally, there are many communities in B.C. that hold great potential for tourism growth,” Lisa Beare, the minister of tourism, arts and culture, said. “This funding will help rural communities impacted by mill closures develop new tourism opportunities, create good-paying jobs and give residents access to all the things that make an area attractive to visitors.”

The tourism industry employs over 137,000 people in B.C, according to the province, and the industry generates billions every year in revenue. In 2017, a total of $18.4 billion in tourism revenue was generated in B.C.

by Tiffany Goodwein

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