Today, Randy Kamp, Member of Parliament for Pitt Meadows-Maple Ridge-Mission, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification announced support to the Mission Harbour Authority to redevelop and expand the Mission Harbour Services building.
"Our Government, through the West Coast Community Adjustment Program, is supporting B.C.'s coastal communities whose economies have relied on the seasonal fishing industries," said MP Randy Kamp, "Upgrades to the harbour will enhance the viability of existing tourism operations in the community as well as provide the necessary infrastructure to develop new opportunities in the future."
Support to the Mission Harbour Authority will expand the Harbour Services building, and reconfigure the existing facility's office, public washrooms, and observation space. These upgrades will improve community access to the Fraser River and accommodate opportunities in oceans-based tourism. Through the new River Interpretation and Tourism Business Centre, the facility will become a hub for new ventures, including tour operations and other activities, such as boat building and sailing lessons, which will attract visitors and create jobs.
"This project builds on the Mission Harbour Authority's efforts in expanding the Harbour Services Building and improving Harbour public access," said Alec Finnsson, Harbour Authority President. "Everybody talks about doing something on the Waterfront, we're very proud to be the first to put a shovel in the ground. By the time it's all finished, we'll have a real Waterfront destination that all Mission residents can be proud to bring their families and visitors to."
The Government of Canada is providing a $156,000 investment through the West Coast Community Adjustment Program (WestCCAP) to improve the competitiveness and sustainability of the tourism industry in Mission.
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 organizations, is delivering this initiative on behalf of Western Economic Diversification Canada. The Government of Canada supports initiatives that combat challenges facing traditional industries, and that 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 advances 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
David Barratt
Manager
Mission Harbour Authority
Telephone: (604) 826-4414
Email: missharb@telus.net
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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