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New and enhanced tourism infrastructure in the Kootenay Rockies Tourism region

In late 2020, Kootenay Rockies Tourism worked collaboratively with communities and stakeholders to identify strong infrastructure projects that would advance the destination development vision and goals, help create jobs, foster economic diversification, and bolster the competitiveness of the tourism destination in the long term. $2.
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Kootenay Rockies Tourism has installed electric vehicle chargers similar to the above at New Denver and Naksup. (Terrace Standard photo)

In late 2020, Kootenay Rockies Tourism worked collaboratively with communities and stakeholders to identify strong infrastructure projects that would advance the destination development vision and goals, help create jobs, foster economic diversification, and bolster the competitiveness of the tourism destination in the long term. $2.3M had been allocated to this region to support the recovery of the tourism sector as part of the Province of BC’s StongerBC Plan Targeted Regional Tourism Development Initiative funds (TRTDI).

“Throughout the pandemic we heard from the tourism sector that it needed investments in tourism infrastructure so it could recover and thrive in the future. These projects are excellent examples of how tourism infrastructure helps more people have access to what the region has to offer, strengthens community connection and experiences, plus creates jobs,” said Melanie Mark, Hli Haykwhl Ẃii Xsgaak, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “The Kootenay Rockies Tourism region is a trailblazer in creating inclusive communities and exceptional experiences to be celebrated by locals and visitors alike.”

Trail and park upgrades, EV charging stations and historical site enhancements are a few of the projects that have taken place over 2021 in the Kootenay Rockies.

Projects completed or near completion in 2021 include:

Waldie Island Trail upgrades: Located in Castlegar, the Waldie Island Trail was developed in 1996 to reclaim the historical heritage of this important stretch of the Columbia River. The 1.5km upgrades, conducted by Castlegar Parks & Trail Society, have now made this section entirely cyclist friendly.

Installation of EV charging stations in Nakusp and New Denver: Through a partnership with Community Energy Association (CEA), two level 2 EV charging stations have been installed at key tourism sites in Nakusp & New Denver. Through the Destination EV Charging program, eight more charging stations are yet to be installed.

Accessible washrooms, upgrades to trails, boardwalks and access route have been completed in the Winlaw Regional & Nature Park: Kootenay Adaptive Sport Association (KASA) has taken the lead on this accessible infrastructure to improve access to outdoor recreation spaces to all ages and abilities.

Parking lot enhancements at signature mountain biking trail networks: Mountain bike use has been significantly increasing in our region. The Mt. Cartier and Sunnyside Recreation Trail networks in Revelstoke and South Star Recreation Site in Cranbrook have both seen parking area expansions and enhancements to accommodate the increasing number of visitors to those locations.

Craigellachie railway track construction complete: The Last Spike at Craigellachie site is located alongside the Trans-Canada highway near Revelstoke and managed by the Revelstoke Heritage Railway Society.

Other projects underway include Elk River access improvements, a new mountain hut along the Bonnington Traverse, more visitor amenities at trailheads, accessibility features in parks, enhancement to municipal campgrounds, visitor services amenities and additional EV chargers at key tourism sites.

“It is inspiring to see so many organizations in this region taking on projects that really contribute to the exceptional quality of our tourism destination and directly align with the priorities and directions of our Kootenay Rockies Destination Development Strategy. We are pleased to be working closely with these organizations to be able to provide funding support through the TRTDI funds. We look forward to seeing more projects breaking ground and being completed in 2022.” Kathy Cooper, CEO of Kootenay Rockies Tourism.

READ: B.C. tourism, events industry receives $9.3M in government supports



carolyn.grant@kimberleybulletin.com

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Carolyn Grant

About the Author: Carolyn Grant

I have been with the Kimberley Bulletin since 2001 and have enjoyed every moment of it.
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