VANCOUVER - The Honourable Gary Lunn,
Minister of Natural Resources, today announced $5 million in funding for the
Britannia Project. This funding will contribute to the goal of turning the
Britannia mine site into a mining innovation and interpretive centre for
Canadians.
The Britannia Project will bring together industry, governments and the
community to demonstrate best environmental practices in the mining industry and
to showcase Canadian research, innovation and expertise. It will also increase
tourism in the area and celebrate the past, present and future of mining in
British Columbia.
"Our Government is pleased to help make the Britannia Project a reality
for the people of British Columbia," said Minister Lunn. "The former mine site
will be a tribute to the contribution of mining to Canada when the world comes
to the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Vancouver and Whistler."
"The Britannia Project is another example of how Canada's New Government is
stimulating economic growth for the region, which will lead to new tourism and
employment opportunities," said the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of
Intergovernmental Affairs and Western Economic Diversification. "It will also
provide residents and visitors with an opportunity to learn about the
technology, expertise and innovation of B.C.'s mining industry."
The Britannia Project will transform the existing mine site, which is on the
Sea-to-Sky Highway linking Vancouver to Whistler, into a world-class visitor
attraction. It will highlight the contribution of mining in B.C. while educating
the public about mining's economic and social benefits.
In B.C., mining and mineral processing is a $6-billion industry employing
28,000 people. By the end of the decade, it is expected that new mining projects
will have resulted in an additional $4 billion in investment and the creation of
3,000 new jobs.
The funding will be delivered through Western Economic Diversification Canada
to the Britannia Beach Historical Society to be used by the Britannia
Development Corporation (BDC). The BDC was formed in November 2004 to manage,
administer and lead the infrastructure development of the Britannia Project on
land made available by the Britannia Beach Historical Society.
This funding announcement highlights the Government's commitment to the
responsible development of our natural resources - delivering real change
and real results for Canadians.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
Gary Lunn, Minister of Natural Resources, announced funding of
$5 million today for the Britannia Project. The Project will turn the
Britannia mine site, north of Vancouver, into an innovation and interpretive
centre for Canada's mining industry.
For more information, media may contact:
Ghyslain CharronMedia RelationsNatural Resources
CanadaOttawa613-992-4447
Kathleen OlsonActing Director of CommunicationsOffice of the
MinisterNatural Resources CanadaOttawa613-996-2007
Bernee BoltonCommunications ManagerWestern Economic
Diversification Canada604- 666-1324Cell: 604-506-6616Web site:
http://www.wd.gc.ca/
And general public may contact:Mon-Fri, 8:30-4:30 EDTTelephone:
613-995-0947TTY: 613-996-4397(teletype for the hearing-impaired)
E-mail: questions@nrcan.gc.ca
NRCan's news releases and backgrounders are available at www.nrcan.gc.ca/media.
