Backgrounder: Minister Sajjan celebrates Economic Development Week and announces over $3.1 million for British Columbians

To mark Canada’s first Economic Development Week, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), announced over $3.1 million in PacifiCan funding for nine projects across British Columbia. This includes $1,763,439 for four projects funded through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund, $1,014,012 for three projects funded through the Tourism Relief Fund, and one project through each of the Regional Innovation Ecosystems and Community Economic Development and Diversification programs.

The projects announced today include:

Canada Community Revitalization Fund

Hope Mountain Centre for Outdoor Learning Society
$37,105
Funding will help restore the western end of the Hudson’s Bay Company Trail in Hope, which was impacted by the November 2021 Pacific Northwest floods. The trail will include two new bridges, signage and benches that will help bring visitors back to enjoy this coastal forest trail with an unparalleled view.

Cheam First Nation
$669,619
Funding will be used to renovate the Cheam Longhouse in Rosedale, a focal point in the community. The renovations will help the Cheam First Nation accommodate seasonal faith-based ceremonies, cultural and educational workshops, and meetings. The Longhouse will also serve as an emergency response location.

City of Abbotsford
$681,715
Funding will be used to create a new accessible public washroom at Berry Park in Abbotsford, including landscaping with a new pathway. Extensive community consultations identified the need for public washrooms, which will enable people to visit and spend more time at the park and increase accessibility.

Village of Anmore
$375,000
Funding will be used to enhance Spirit Park in Anmore, including fixing the park’s drainage system, upgrading playground equipment and increasing accessibility. These improvements will allow for future community events, including farmers markets and food truck festivals.

Tourism Relief Fund

Katzie First Nation
$682,500
Funding will help design and upgrade the Grant Narrows Marina in Pitt Meadows, a transportation hub for tourists who are canoeing, exploring nature or visiting local wilderness lodges. Revitalizing the marina will help create and maintain local jobs, attract new and returning visitors, help local businesses grow, and allow for more tourism opportunities for the region in the future.

Eurocan Management Consulting Ltd.
$99,999
Funding will support constructing a guest cabin with four new bison-viewing suites at the Fraser River Lodge, an Indigenous fishing lodge in Agassiz. The new cabin will allow more visitors to explore this beautiful area, including in the off-season.

Skawahlook First Nation
$231,513
Funding will help expand and improve the Syéxw Chó:leqw Adventure Park in Agassiz by building a new washroom facility and septic waste disposal. The renovations will create jobs and accommodate more visitors.

Regional Innovation Ecosystems

Angel Forum Society
$180,000
PacifiCan funding will help the Society connect B.C. technology start-ups with investors and mentorship opportunities. This project will help ensure that the B.C. innovation ecosystem continues to nurture today’s start-ups so that they grow into local economic engines, with a focus on supporting women and young entrepreneurs.

Community Economic Development and Diversification

Rural Islands Economic Partnership Society
$180,000
Funding will help deliver the Rising Tides Business Services program, which offers digital marketing support and business training for rural island small businesses and non-profits. In the digital economy, strengthening these skills will help our local entrepreneurs compete and grow.

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• News Release: Minister Sajjan celebrates Economic Development Week and announces over $3.1 million for British Columbians