Harjit Sajjan was in Prince George Thursday and he brought his chequebook. Or more aptly, Ottawa’s chequebook.
Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), announced federal funding of more $1.8 million through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF) for five projects in northern B.C. Public spaces in Prince George, Burns Lake, Houston, and McBride will be upgraded to better serve the community for years to come.
He made the announcement at The Exploration Place, which was the largest single recipient of funding.
“The Government of Canada is committed to supporting communities all across British Columbia,” he said. “We have helped put small- and medium-sized businesses on the road to recovery. Now it’s time to invest in the shared public spaces and tourism experiences that will safely bring people together and help communities grow and thrive well into the future.”
The museum received $750,000 for renovations, including structural upgrades. Funding will also help build a new indoor biome, living plant wall, commercial kitchen and expanded traveling exhibit gallery to help accommodate increased visitor traffic.
“It is working in partnership with all levels of government that makes our communities resilient. It is the community partners who make these places home,” said Tracy Calogheros, CEO at The Exploration Place.
Other projects funded included:
Canadian Mental Health Association of Northern BC – $29,800: Upgrade the outdoor space at the Connections Clubhouse with new fencing and a greenhouse for patrons to grow produce and learn new skills.
Ride Burns Mountain Biking Association – $114,375: Refurbish a downhill mountain biking trail at the Boer Mountain Recreational site to improve accessibility and increase ridership.
Corporation of the Village of McBride – $252-124: Upgrade the 105-year-old Bill Clark Memorial Park and Ball Diamond with new spectator stands and dugouts, a scorekeeping booth and scoreboard, building fencing, and picnic area.
District of Houston – $656,250: Increase the accessibility of 10th street in downtown Houston with new paving, lighting, signage, and other beautification elements.
Sajjan also announced $150,500 through the Tourism Relief Fund (TRF) to support the Northern British Columbia Tourism Association with attracting new visitors by facilitating tourism experiences that are more accessible to people with mobility, sensory, and neuro-diverse disabilities.
Sajjan will be visiting The University of Northern British Columbia this morning to announce funding that will help support clean innovation in the natural resources sectors.