The Government of Canada is supporting the Similkameen Valley in its aims to develop and diversify the region through two exciting tourism initiatives.
The Honourable Jim Abbott, Parliamentary Secretary for Canadian Heritage and Member of Parli iament for Kootenay-Columbia, announced federal funding of more than $347,000 today 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 Diversi fication.
"The Government of Canada is committed to providing the tools necessary to help local businesses compete and prosper for the long term," said MP Abbott. "This funding reinforces the federal government's efforts to foster business divers ification and the development of non-forestry related industries."
The Upper Similkameen Indian Band will receive more than $245,000 to restore the Hedley School Building, and complete its transformation into the Snaza'ist Centre. The Centre is pa rt of a large tourist attraction based around the Mascot Mine. The restored building will showcase interpretive historical exhibits, and offer office space, a theatre/presentation room and retail space. The second phase of the project will develop tours for the nearby Tulameen Ochre Bluffs and historic 1850's Hedley First Nation Village.
"The Snaza'ist Discovery Centre plays a key role in our economic strategy to diversify our economy and provide jobs for not only First Nations but the surroundi ng communities as well," said Chief Rick Holmes of the Upper Similkameen Indian Band. "In celebrating our Similkameen culture and history we also add to the understanding of the rich fabric of this great land."
Funding of $102,000 will help the Si milkameen Valley Planning Society initiate its economic development strategy. The first component will position the area as a leader in organic farming by further developing the Organic Farming Institute of B.C. The project will create online educational courses, identify suitable locations for organic
farming demonstration projects and design training manuals. Funding will also support the development of the Similkameen Corridor Heritage and Agri-Tourism Association, and assist with preparation of engineering plans for reconstruction of the last bridge connecting the Kettle Valley Railway Trails. The resulting increase in tourism will add 200 jobs to the Similkameen Valley.
"Two of the important ways we are diversifying the Similkameen e conomy is by adding value to our agricultural sector and building our tourism sector," said George Hanson, Chair of Similkameen Valley Planning Society. "Western Economic Diversification has been a partner in the past and with this grant they will assist us again to reach our goals."
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 additional information, contact:
Jonah Mozeson
Special Assistant (Communications)
Office of the President of the Qu een's Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification
Telephone: (613) 614-9293
Mel Woolley
Project Facilitator
Upper Similkameen Indian Band
Telephone: (403) 802-2800
Michael McLaughlin
Economic Development Officer
Similkameen Valley Planning Society
Telephone: (250) 295-7260
