Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance announced the Fraser River Discovery Center will receive $150,000 from the federal Tourism Relief Fund on March 10, 2022. (Cole Schisler/Black Press)
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The Fraser River Discovery Center was the first BC organization to receive funding
The Fraser River Discovery Center in New Westminster has become the first tourism business in BC to receive funding through the federal Tourism Relief Fund.
Federal tourism minister Randy Boissonnault made the announcement on Thursday (March 10) at the centre. The center received $150,000 in funding that will go toward the creation of an exhibit on the Indigenous heritage and teachings of the Fraser River. Musqueam First Nation will be leading the development of the exhibit in partnership with the Discovery Centre.
“This support will be key to helping us move forward,” said Lyle Viereck, vice-chair of the Fraser River Discovery Center board of directors. “The activities and programs we develop and deliver with Musqueam will not only help tell the story of the Fraser River from Indigenous perspectives, they will also help us move forward with reconciliation.”
Long-time Musqueam councilor Nolan Charles, who could not attend the news conference, is a member of the board for the Discovery Center and will help lead the project to fruition.
The Tourism Relief Fund is administered through Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada. The federal government devoted $500 million to the fund over two years to help tourism businesses across the country recover from COVID-19. A fund of $50 million is dedicated specifically for indigenous tourism initiatives and $15 million for national priorities.
Funding for businesses in BC is administered through Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan). Boissonnault said PacifiCan is an important step for regional economic development.
“This approach recognizes the importance of BC’s economy and the launch of PacifiCan means BC businesses and community organizations have a dedicated location to engage with their federal partners.”
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