Tourism in Western Canadian

On November 10, 2004, in response to the 2003 western tourism crisis, a pan-western project was announced. The two year initiative is intended to address critical needs to increase tourism knowledge and skill capacity in priority communities in Western Canada; and assist communities to develop strategic plans and local expertise enabling tourism recovery from the previous years forest fires, flooding, BSE and the lingering concerns about SARS and the West Nile Virus. Western Economic Diversification Canada contributed $2.4 million toward the project with the four western provincial governments and other industry partners contributing $3 million.

On March 3, 2004, the Government of Canada announced a $10 million dollar federal-provincial cost-shared emergency recovery initiative to assist the western tourism industry to deal with the effects of forest fires, flooding, BSE and the lingering concerns over SARS and the West Nile Virus. Western Economic Diversification Canada provided $5 million toward the initiative with the four western provinces contributing a combined total of $5 million. Marketing initiatives will focus on the United States, Europe and Asia, areas that have been identified by the western provinces as their primary markets and will complement other Government of Canada emergency responses for tourism, including the marketing activities of the Canadian Tourism Commissions.

Since 1995, WD and the four western provinces have worked together to support pan-western tourism marketing through the Tourism Alliance Canada Inc., which represents the four western provinces in areas of mutual concern relating to the tourism industry.

Highlights

British Columbia

Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) contributed $1 million to the City of Prince George under the Canada/British Columbia Infrastructure Program for improvements to facilities at the Prince George Exhibition Park. The improvements include enhancing the energy efficiency and accessibility of the buildings.

In Dawson Creek, WD contributed more than $117,000 under the Canada/British Columbia Infrastructure Program to help create the Alaska Highway House facility, which will attract more visitors and provide tourists with improved access to information about the city and the Alaska Highway.

West Coast Railway Association received a WD contribution of $210,000 to improve its excursion tours across British Columbia.

A WD contribution of $550,000 to the resort Municipality of Whistler for a best practices guide to resort and resort communities.

Alberta

Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) contributed $300,000 to help bring the 2004 Juno Awards to Edmonton.

In Calgary, WD invested $3 million in a project that will help place the Calgary Zoo among the top five per cent of accredited zoos in North America. The funding brings WD's total contribution to $7.3 million for the expansion of Destination Africa - Our Living Classroom, a spectacular $31.5 million exhibit that local and international visitors can experience and enjoy all year round.

The Government of Canada contributed approximately $1 million dollars through the Infrastructure Canada- Alberta Program to Fort Saskatchewan's new Dow Centennial Centre, a cultural and recreation facility.

Saskatchewan

In Eastend, WD provided two capital contributions totaling $964,000 under the Canada-Saskatchewan Western Economic Partnership Agreement for the T.rex Discovery Centre in 2000 and 2002. In 2003, the department provided $150,000 to complete construction work at the centre. The department also contributed $3 million to Wanuskewin Heritage Park: $2.5 million when the Park was created and an additional $500,000 to renovate exhibit space and upgrade its computer system.

Under the Canada Celebrates Saskatchewan initiative, WD will deliver $36.8 million in federal centennial funding allocated to capital legacy projects. The first component of this initiative is $14 million to support community projects for municipalities and First Nations communities outside of Regina and Saskatoon. Projects will leave a lasting legacy of the Centennial in every Saskatchewan community by assisting with the purchase or improvement of community assets for the enjoyment and benefit of all residents.

Manitoba

In Winnipeg, WD contributed $3 million toward the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, including $700,000 for a feasibility study. The museum will be a national centre for education and training in human rights to be enjoyed by people from around the world.

The Inglis Area Grain Elevators and Rivers West Tourism Initiatives, two unique tourism development projects in Manitoba received $433,400 in federal and provincial funding through the Canada-Manitoba Economic Partnership Agreement. A federal contribution of $91,700 will assist the Inglis Area Heritage Committee to complete a row of five grain elevators that will provide a lasting agricultural legacy, create educational opportunities and complements other tourism destinations in the region. The Rivers West – Red River Corridor Association received a federal contribution of $125,000 and will work with communities to develop programs and other activities to promote tourism and conservation on the Red River.

Manitoba's vibrant francophone culture and heritage is to be enhanced and promoted through $2.025 million in funding under the Canada-Manitoba Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) for tourism development in bilingual communities as well as improvements to the Centre culturel franco-manitobain and a new theatre for Cercle Molière.

Winnipeg received $550,000 under the Canada-Manitoba Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) for the 34th annual Juno Awards.