By Times Chronicle Staff
Oliver’s Kartplex is one of 14 organizations based in the Southern Interior that will receive part of the $2 million in federal government funding earmarked to help boost outdoor recreation tourism.
Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), announced the over $2 million in funding through the Tourism Growth Program.
The investment is aimed at enhancing outdoor recreation, extending the tourism season, and attracting visitors to smaller communities.
The race-karting facility, part of the Area 21 Motorsports Park, will be receiving $185,000 to enhance its race-karting experience with new tracks, solar lighting and training simulators.
Also in this vicinity, the non-profit Trails to the Boundary Society has been awarded $18,950 to enhance its guided bike tours in Rock Creek.
Other recipients in the Okanagan include $175,000 for the City of Kelowna to expand air service at Kelowna International Airport and promote travel during the shoulder season, and $130,000 for ZipZone Peachland to enhance its zipline experience and climbing wall to facilitate larger groups.
West Kelowna’s Indigenous-owned winery, Niche Wine Company, is receiving $240,000 to transform its facility into a vibrant micro-resort and agritourism destination for both residents and visitors.
The funding will help the winery develop curated cultural experiences, including elevated wine tastings and farm-to-table dining that showcase the rich agricultural traditions of the Okanagan Valley.
BC tourism employs over 84,000 people at over 16,650 tourism businesses. Combined the province’s tourism industry generated $13.5 billion in revenue in 2021.
