$2 million in provincial funding announced for six Okanagan – Okanagan tourism projects

Just over $21 million in new provincial funding will be divided by half a dozen tourism project in Okanagan, BC’s Department of Tourism announced this week.

The ministry made the announcement on Friday, noting that more than 50 tourism projects across the province will share the $21.3 million funding.

The six projects in the Okanagan stretch from Vernon to Summerland, with the largest share, $624,257, belonging to Coldstream.

According to the ministry, funding for Coldstream will go toward a central meeting site for the community, along with an entrance area to the Okanagan Railroad Trail.

Called Coldstream Station, the site will include an event plaza, parking, restrooms, visitor information and landscaping “to support a world-class destination rail adventure gender”.

The District of Coldstream said the project cost $1,637 million. Construction work is expected to begin in the coming weeks, with completion expected by the end of June.

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Also receiving funding:

Kelowna

Pandosy Public Pier: $390,925.

The project is to develop a motor-free, globally accessible public pier in Kelowna.

Vernon

O’Keefe Farm and Furniture Heritage Association: $245,085

Install glamping infrastructure, including guest amenities, cabins and landscaping.

Greater Vernon Museum and Archives: $280,896

The museum will be upgraded to lighting, roofing, HVAC and electrical systems.

Vernon guest kiosks: $242,000

Build three timber-framed visitor kiosks in Vernon to provide information on attractions and events.

Summerland

Upgrade the beach restroom: $280,000

Restroom upgrades in Peach Orchard and Rotary Beach, including refrigeration and improved electrical service.

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Elsewhere across the Southern Interior, the Salmon Arm and Revelstoke are also receiving provincial funding.

Salmon arm

The Salmon Arms Economic Development Association will receive $289,796 for community signage, an interactive visitor kiosk, and a mobile visitor outreach program.

Revelstoke

Revelstoke Ski Club received $417,865 to install a new modular building to house young athletes and improve the visitor experience at the local ski resort.

And the Nordic Revelstoke Ski Club hit $16,840 to extend its main detour.

Elsewhere throughout BC, Richmond received $1 million to increase its sports programs and Olympic Oval events, and Harrison also received $1 million to build a center Expansion visitors and sasquatch museum.

North Vancouver also received $1 million to develop its shipyards as a year-round tourist destination.

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