December 10, 2010
Duncan, British Columbia
The Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of State for Sport and Member of Parliament for Saanich-Gulf Islands, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced Government of Canada support to complete the third and final phase of the Somenos Marsh Open Air Classroom Boardwalk.
“Our Government is proud to be providing additional support for this project through our Economic Action Plan,” said Minister Lunn. “This will help create even more jobs in the Cowichan Valley, while providing the community with a fun and education space to learn about our wildlife.”
Earlier this year, this project received $55,000 in federal funding under the Community Adjustment Fund (CAF) as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan.
The Somenos Marsh Wildlife Society is receiving an additional $55,000 to complete the final phase of this project and expand the Open Air Classroom Boardwalk by approximately 800 feet, creating a 1,300-foot closed loop pathway extending into Somenos Marsh. This project will enhance viewing of local wildlife and migratory bird species, create educational experiences and generate additional tourism opportunities in the Cowichan Valley.
"Somenos Marsh Wildlife Society is very excited to now be in a position to complete the final phase of the Somenos Marsh Open Air Classroom for the enjoyment and education of residents and visitors to the Cowichan Valley,” said Paul Fletcher, President of the Somenos Marsh Wildlife Society.
As part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the Community Adjustment Fund (CAF) is a two-year, $1-billion national program that provides an economic stimulus by supporting projects that create jobs and maintain employment in rural communities.
The fund provides $306 million over two years to support the most affected western Canadian communities, such as those that are heavily reliant on resource-based industries, for instance forestry, mining, agriculture and fisheries, and communities that depend on the manufacturing industry. Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) is delivering this fund in the four western provinces.
Visit the Community Adjustment Fund (CAF) in the West or Canada’s Economic Action Plan for more information.
For additional information (media only), contact:
Jaime Burke
Manager, Communications
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Tel: 604-666-1318
Paul Fletcher
President
Somenos Marsh Wildlife Society
Tel: 250-732-0462
WD Toll-Free Number:1-888-338-WEST (9378)
Teletypewriter (TTY): 1-877-303-3388
WD Website: www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
