The new Sunshine Coast visitor information park project, spearheaded by the Gibsons and District Chamber of Commerce, received a financial shot in the arm last week.
Gibson Mayor Barry Janyk and chair of the Island Coastal Economic Trust (ICET) announced funding of $69,500 for the project. Total costs are estimated at $275,000.
The landscaped park will serve as the backdrop to an easy-to-read map of the region, complemented with quality graphics to highlight the unique assets of each region of the Sunshine Coast. In addition, the plans include convenience facilities, vehicle and bicycle rest areas, park benches and local information.
This new visitor information park, to be located at the top of the ferry bypass, will serve to attract the significant traffic volume bypassing the communities, provide them with information on area amenities, festivals and events and encourage them to stay longer in the area.
"The Island Coastal Economic Trust is really pleased to participate in the development of this regional tourism amenity," Janyk said. "The project is yet another example of what the province had in mind when it created the Trust -the opportunity for communities to develop projects suiting their needs while allowing them the opportunity to be a part of the decision making process for the allocation of the Trust's funds.
"This aesthetically pleasing site will provide a great first impression of the Sunshine Coast for visitors and will encourage them to stay longer, enjoy our amenities and provide real benefits for the area and their businesses."
The Chamber is very pleased to receive the funding.
"This project is a wonderful example of a community coming together to make a project happen," said Chamber president Michele Platje-Devlin. "More than one-third of the funding is coming from local businesses and professionals donating materials and services as well as a crew of volunteers donating their time and sweat equity. The balance is cash provided by local governments, businesses and community organizations. Without their contributions, this project would never have happened."
ICET was established in February 2006 under an Act of the Province of British Columbia. It provided a $50-million endowment that is managed by an independent board of directors comprised of 13 members -eight mayors and five provincial appointees from the prescribed area.
The board's mandate is to make strategic investments in economic development priorities including forestry, transportation, tourism, mining, energy, economic development, agriculture, aquaculture and small business. The ICET region encompasses all regional districts and municipalities on Vancouver Island north of the Malahat as well as the Powell River and Sunshine Coast Regional Districts.
ICET has approved over $42 million for over 75 projects on the Island and Sunshine Coast since starting its grant program in 2007. The total impact of these investments is estimated at over $238 million.
A full overview of ICET can be found at www.islandcoastaltrust.ca.
