An investment from the Government of Canada will initiate restoration work on the Quesnel Forks Historic Townsite that will lead to new seasonal jobs and training opportunities.
Funding of $172,800 was announced 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 the Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of Natural Resources. Funding is provided through the Community Economic Diversification Initiative (CEDI), a component of the federal Mountain Pine Beetle Program.
"Tourist attractions mean new jobs for local residents and new spending within the community," said MP Harris. "Strengthening this townsite will help Likely continue to diversify it's local economy and reduce its dependence on forestry, while celebrating the region's rich history."
"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."
Voted one of the "Top Ten Places to Picnic in British Columbia" by Westworld Magazine, funding will help the Cedar Point Class C Provincial Parks Board and the Likely Community Forest Society to restore and stabilize eight structures within the ghost town, establish an interpretive centre, and replace the fence surrounding the Quesnel Forks Cemetery.
"This initiative both complements and furthers the work that this community has undertaken over the last few years, namely, promoting the alternate circle route through Likely to Wells/Barkerville, the construction of our new museum and Bullion Pit lookout/picnic areas as well as the continued restoration of our most tangible historical asset, Quesnel Forks, the only Chinese Ghost Town in North America," said Robin Hood, Chair, Cedar Point Park Board. "I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Likely Xatsu'll Community Forest, whose continued financial support makes these projects possible."
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 as well as 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
Robin Hood
Chair
Cedar Point Provincial Parks Board
Likely, BC
Tel: (250) 790-2458
