The Village of Fraser Lake will study the development of a new waterfront recreation site for residents and tourists, thanks to an investment by the Government of Canada, through Western Economic Diversification Canada.
Federal funding of $80,000 was announced today by Dick Harris, Member of Parliament for Cariboo-Prince George, on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification and Gary Lunn, Minister of Natural Resources. Funding is provided under the Community Economic Diversification Initiative (CEDI), a component of the federal Mountain Pine Beetle Program.
"This investment will enable Fraser Lake to take an important step toward turning the waterfront into an important economic driver," said MP Harris. "This funding will ensure the Village is able to take the necessary steps to develop the waterfront in a manner that respects the wildlife that makes its home here."
"The project announced today is an example of how the Government of Canada is addressing the needs of communities affected by the Mountain Pine Beetle infestation," said Minister Lunn. "Through this support, our government is helping impacted communities turn challenges into economic opportunities."
Funding will help the Village of Fraser Lake to hire a consultant to undertake an environmental assessment of a proposed waterfront recreation site on Fraser Lake. Once that is completed and approved, the consultant will undertake a feasibility study to examine ways to develop the waterfront as a year-round tourist attraction. The study will identify business opportunities, costs, financial forecasts, potential users and potential linkages to other similar facilities.
"We are very pleased with the support and partnership of the federal government on this project," said Mayor Richard Bisanz. "We intend on welcoming new visitors to share in the experience offered by our community, to maintain its natural beauty and develop the necessary amenities to facilitate public access. This project will strengthen our economy and provide it with a great outlook."
Managed by Western Economic Diversification Canada, CEDI will invest more than $33 million over two years towards projects in communities most at risk from the Mountain Pine Beetle infestation. The program supports a wide range of projects that further economic growth, job creation and future community sustainability.
The CEDI program is part of the Government of Canada's $200 million comprehensive response to mitigate the short- and long-term effects of the Mountain Pine Beetle infestation on B.C.'s forestry sector. This federal Mountain Pine Beetle Program is led by Natural Resources Canada, in collaboration with Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) and Transport Canada.
Western Economic Diversification Canada is a department of the Government of Canada that works in partnership with the provinces, industry associations and communities to promote the development and diversification of the western economy and to represent the interests of the West in national decision-making.
For more information on the federal Mountain Pine Beetle Program, please visit: http://mpb.cfs.nrcan.gc.ca/publications_e.html.
For additional information, contact:
Catherine Brown
Communications Officer
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Tel: (604) 666-1306
Donna Ward
Clerk /Treasurer
Village of Fraser Lake
Fraser Lake, BC
Tel: (250) 699-6257
WD Toll-Free Number:1 888 338-WEST (9378)
Website: WD is online at www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
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