16 tourism projects in the Thompson-Okanagan get a share of $2.5M funding boost

Merritt, Keremeos, Kelowna, Vernon, Peachland and Armstrong are among the city’s receiving a portion of $2.5 million in funding to support tourism projects.

On Thursday, Harjit S. Sajjan, minister of international development and minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), funding for 16 projects across the Thompson Okanagan.

This includes $240,000 for two projects funded through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund and over $2.3 million for projects funded through the Tourism Relief Fund.

The City of Merritt will receive more than $122,000 to replace the condenser tower at the Nicola Valley Memorial Arena, a popular spot for local hockey games.

The Salmon Arm Folk Music Society is set to receive a funding boost of more than $436,000 to support events such as the Salmon Arm Pride Festival and Indigenous Music Festival.

Another $30,000 is set to go to the City of Kelowna to support Velvo Volt Bike Rentals Ltd.

In addition, ZipZone Adventures Ltd. in Peachland will receive $33,000 to support additional on-site staff accommodation facilities.

“The Government of Canada’s investments in tourism over the last two years focused on the survival of our visitor economy,” said Randy Boissonnault, federal minister of tourism and associate minister of finance.

“As we move to revival and the growth of the sector, we continue to provide targeted support to tourism businesses so they can keep delivering unforgettable experiences.”

Here’s a full breakdown of the organizations and businesses receiving a funding boost:

• City of Merritt – $122,907

• Eagle Bay Community Association – $117,014 to renovation the community hall

• Adams Lake Indian Band – $130,000 to design an amphitheater to expand Indigenous tourism offerings

• Bloom Flower Festivals – $99,999 to increase accolation options and support attendance at the local flower festival in Armstrong

• Born to Shake – $99,999 to build a cocktail-making experience and venture to diversify Kelowna’s growing brewery district

• British Columbia Snowmobile Federation – $600,000 to create a recreation snowmobile trail program

• MotherLove Ferments Inc. – $99,999 to build a kombucha tasting room in Kelowna

• Niche Wine Company Ltd. – $99,999 to support the Indigenous-owned winery in West Kelowna

• Salmon Arm Folk Music Society – $436,725

• Shuswap Water Tours Inc. – $367,500 to build a new floating dock and purchase additional watercraft in Blind Bay

• Silver Star Ski Resort Ltd. – $50,000 to purchase bike carriers to boost mountain biking activities during the summer season

• The Scotch Creek Hub Inc. – $61,500 for laser tag, a batting cage and e-scooter rentals at the Hub’s family fun centre in the North Shuswap

• TripHero Travel Network Inc. – $99,999 to develop an online space to promote small, local Indigenous tourism operators to Okanagan visitors

• Velo Volt Bike Rentals Ltd. – $30,000

• Vines & Views Tours & Rentals Inc. – $99,999 to expand wine tours in Kelowna

• ZipZone Adventures Ltd. – $33,000