New provincial attraction grants expected to benefit Kamloops tourism, BC Wildlife Park

The grant money is targeted towards landmark attractions in urban and rural centres and the tour bus operators bringing people to those attractions. Funds can be used to offset fixed costs such as payroll, operations or rent.

DeSantis says they’re not yet sure how many operators in Kamloops will qualify, but even larger urban-centre attractions getting a boost will eventually benefit the local area.

“Kamloops is one of those feeder districts and areas that counts on attractions almost from other areas, and then they flow through to Kamloops and the Thompson-Okanagan.”

The BC Wildlife Park is an anchor attraction in the Kamloops area, and General Manager Glenn Grant says the park qualifies for up to half a million dollars in grant funding.

“The news was a huge relief,” he says. “And again, we have been in consultation with the ministry on what it would mean to attractions to get this type of funding.”

The park recently completed accessibility and environmental improvements, and Grant says they plan to use the new attraction grant to pay staff, keep up with maintenance and care for park ‘residents’.

“I think for us to be ready and prepared to welcome tourists back in the area once restrictions are lifted, the funding is going to be very much needed to be prepared for that.”

With grant money on the way and more than 55 per cent of eligible British Columbians with at least one vaccine dose, DeSantis adds the tourism sector is hoping for a re-start plan.

“We understand that the provincial government can’t give us timelines,” stresses DeSantis. “But if they could give us indicators that we could monitor and plan for moving forward this summer.”

Applications for the newest funding program to keep tourism afloat are open until June 7, with money expected to be distributed in July.

by Dylana Kneeshaw

New provincial attraction grants expected to benefit Kamloops tourism, BC Wildlife Park

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