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By Fraser-Nicola MLA Jackie Tegart

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SOUND OFF: Revitalizing tourism in Fraser-Nicola

Jul 4, 2019 | 9:46 AM

TOURISM IS THE LIFEBLOOD of many communities around the province, creating 130,000 jobs and generating around $18 billion in revenue every year. The tourism industry provides opportunities for economic growth and fosters community pride. Yet despite a wealth of world-class recreation and heritage sites, tourism in the Fraser River canyon corridor has declined – leading to businesses closing and communities struggling.

In the past few months I have increased my focus on tourism in Fraser-Nicola, looking for new ways to revitalize the industry. In order to address some of the challenges facing towns in the Fraser River canyon corridor, I recently organized a meeting with local stakeholders – including representatives from government ministries, local First Nations, and tourism businesses. We discussed our vision for the tourism industry and how we could work together to build on and promote the many historical, cultural, recreation, and natural attractions along the corridor. This can be done through giving visitors who are already driving through the Highway 1 Corridor a reason to stop, whether that be for attractions or amenities, and through developing ways to attract new visitors to the region.

In our discussions we also identified areas needing improvements, many of them being infrastructure assets. We looked at the need for more public washrooms and rest areas along the corridor to accommodate visitors, as well as a desire to build more pullouts along the highway where visitors can stop and enjoy scenic vistas along the route. Enhancing cell service and providing electric vehicle charging stations will help to improve safety and convenience for the traveling public and help to make the Highway 1 route more appealing.

Additionally, we hope to develop more attractions in the region, such as potential non-motorised trail systems like the proposed multiuse trail on the Kettle Valley rail bed from Merritt to Spences Bridge. Outdoor recreation is a growing draw for adventurous visitors and our region certainly has no shortage of natural beauty to offer.

It was clear to all those attending the meeting that whatever projects are chosen must be worked on collaboratively and implemented with respect to First Nations traditional territory and in a manner that supports reconciliation. The recent opening of the McAbee Fossil Beds is a positive example of this effort, as not only is it a promising site for tourism and education, but the project is being led by the local Bonaparte First Nations. McAbee is a remarkable place that provides a backdrop to discuss natural history and First Nations heritage – it allows visitors to experience 53 million years of the region’s history—and yet, despite its potential, the site has not received much government funding.

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I look forward to following up with stakeholders over the next few weeks as we start to move forward on various projects. I will be writing to government ministries, local First Nations, and tourism businesses to thank them for their involvement and ask for their continued partnership as we work to grow a thriving tourism industry in the Fraser-Nicola region.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group.