July 17, 2009
Nelson, British Columbia
Today, Colin Mayes, Member of Parliament for Okanagan - Shuswap, announced federal support for the Nelson and District Chamber of Commerce to undertake the restoration and utilization of a local heritage CP Rail building.
" The mountain pine beetle infestation has had a tremendous impact on forestry-dependant communities across British Columbia, " said Mr. Mayes. " Today's investment will support the community's efforts to strengthen Nelson tourism, create new opportunities, and honour our province's history. "
The Nelson and District Chamber of Commerce will conduct a feasibility study to determine how to best restore the CP rail station as a historical Heritage Building. The study will include: architectural and engineering design, building site and facility assessment, exterior historical design treatment, and financial analysis for construction and operations. The newly restored structure will become a central tourist attraction in Nelson, provide office space for the Regional Visitor Information Centre and house a 125-seat theatre supporting the Selkirk College Theatre Arts program. The project will boost tourism and diversify the economy in the City of Nelson.
" The community is excited about the significance of restoring the CP Rail station, adding another piece to Nelson's cultural diversity. Tourism opportunities will be maximized by developing a Regional Visitor Gateway, " said Nelson and District Chamber of Commerce President Cal Renwick. " A strong, vital and innovative regional tourism industry can make a major contribution to the economic, social and environmental well being of all residents and businesses within Nelson and area. The CEDI grant approval allows this vital community economic development project move forward. "
Federal funding of $100,000 is provided by Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) under the Community Economic Diversification Initiative (CEDI), a component of the federal Mountain Pine Beetle program.
For more information on the federal Mountain Pine Beetle program, please visit: http://mpb.cfs.nrcan.gc.ca/ .
For more information on Canada's Economic Action Plan, please visit: http://www.actionplan.gc.ca/ .
For additional information, contact:
Donna Howes
Communications Manager, British Columbia
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Tel: 604-666-1318
Cell: 604-505-6616
Tom Thomson
Executive Director
Nelson and District Chamber of Commerce
(250) 352-3433
WD Toll-Free Number :1 888 338-WEST (9378)
Teletypewriter (TTY) : 1 877 303-3388
Website : WD is online at www.wd-deo.gc.ca .
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