The province is investing nearly $ 1.4 million in tourism infrastructure development in North Cowichan and Ladysmith.

Nearly $ 700,000 will come to North Cowichan, of which $ 312,000 will be used to build an accessible washroom in Kinsmen Park. Almost $ 174,000 will be invested in the development of the Mount Tzouhalem access point, including parking stalls, accessible washroom and signage. $ 100,000 will be used for lighting and wayfinding at Waterwheel Park, and nearly $ 98,000 will be used for upgrades on Mount Prevost’s mountain bike trails including signage.

Another roughly $ 700,000 is earmarked for projects in Ladysmith, including more than $ 400,000 for an accessible washroom on Transfer Beach, $ 170,000 for shelters in Community Park, and $ 96,000 for a paved food truck and accessible walkway in Waterfront Park and $ 27,000 in community park facilities, including picnic tables, bike racks, and a bike gas station

The funding is part of a $ 19.4 million investment recently announced by the province to support tourism-dependent communities.

Municipalities were identified as dependent on tourism based on a combination of criteria including the collection of the council tax and the regional district tax. Communities with fewer than 25,000 residents outside of Metro Vancouver and the Capital Regional District; and have a higher percentage of wages in the lodging sector compared to total wages in employment.

Doug Routley, MLA for Nanaimo-North Cowichan, said he was glad the riders would benefit from this funding as it will not only support those involved in tourism, but also help boost the local economy going forward.

“Our communities rely on visitors and the pandemic travel restrictions have been tough on people,” Routley said.

“This investment in tourism infrastructure will create local jobs and provide new and more accessible facilities to ensure that everyone can enjoy the beauty of our local parks when it is safe to do so.”

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