November 10, 2010
Cowichan Bay, British Columbia
Today the Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Member of Parliament for Vancouver Island North, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification announced support to the Cowichan Wooden Boat Society to redevelop and extend the Cowichan Bay Maritime Centre.
Our Government understands the value of fostering new economic opportunities in our communities,
said the Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Member of Parliament for Vancouver Island North, With our Government's investment, the revitalized centre will improve tourism, attract investment, and create new prospects for our region.
With this investment, the Cowichan Wooden Boat Society will upgrade the region's only Maritime Museum. With these improvements, the building will meet British Columbia's Provincial Wood First Act, which aims to increase demand for wood products by using wood as the primary construction material. This revitalization will allow the Cowichan Bay Maritime Museum to offer expanded services, including tours and hands-on activities, such as boat building and sailing lessons.
The facility will also feature a larger artifacts display area, with enhanced quality and climate control to preserve delicate items. The increased display area will focus on maritime history in Cowichan Bay, thereby benefiting tourism in the region, and allowing the museum to share its history.
Our goal is to preserve the region's maritime history for future generations, not only giving visitors a maritime tradition experience first-hand but sharing our unique perspective of the world,
said Lew Penny, President of the Cowichan Wooden Boat Society (CWBS). Cowichan Bay area residents will benefit from a beautiful addition to our street scape and expanded community resources.
We know that partnerships like this, where local community minded people working together, can bring big economic benefits to smaller communities.
said Cathy Robertson, General Manager of Community Futures Cowichan. By assisting the Cowichan Bay Maritime Museum, we have together launched a project that residents can be proud of and will attract visitors to Cowichan Bay and the entire region. This museum is the keeper of the maritime history for our area and it's their dedication to keeping stories alive for locals and tourists that makes them a true community asset. Community Futures Cowichan is proud to be a part of this venture as it represents the value and purpose of Community Futures in the regions we serve.
The Government of Canada is providing $210,220 investment through the West Coast Community Adjustment Program (WestCCAP) to improve the competitiveness and sustainability of the tourism industry in Cowichan Bay.
The West Coast Community Adjustment Program will provide more than $7 million to support economic growth, job creation and the future sustainability of B.C. coastal communities affected by challenges within the salmon fishery. The Fisheries Legacy Trust, comprised of the 13 west coast Community Futures, is delivering this initiative on behalf of Western Economic Diversification Canada. The Government of Canada supports initiatives that combat challenges facing traditional industries, protect resources in affected areas in order to support the long-term success of resource-dependent communities.
Western Economic Diversification Canada works with the provinces, industry associations and communities to promote the development and diversification of the western economy, coordinates federal economic activities in the West and represents the interests of western Canadians in national decision making.
For additional information (media only) contact:
Jaime Burke
Manager, Communications
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Telephone: (604) 666-1318
Suzan Lagrove
Executive Director
Cowichan Wooden Boat Society
Telephone: (250) 746-4955
Email: cwbs@classicboats.org
WD Toll-Free Number:1-888-338-WEST (9378)
Teletypewriter (TTY): 1-877-303-3388
WD Website: www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
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