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April 14, 2005

Funding helps complete desert heritage centre

Osoyoos, British Columbia – The Nk'Mip Desert and Heritage Centre in Osoyoos will receive nearly $2.5 million in combined federal and provincial funding to help complete the facility.

The funding, from the Western Economic Partnership Agreement, will allow the Town of Osoyoos and the Osoyoos Indian Band to add 1800 square metres (20,000 sq. ft.) of space to the facility for exhibits, a 100-seat theatre, a pit house theatre, an environmental centre, desert interpretation trails and enviro-efficient construction features.

“Investing in local tourism initiatives is one of the many ways that Western Economic Diversification Canada helps BC communities achieve sustainability while strengthening and diversifying their economies." said the Honourable Stephen Owen, Minister of Western Economic Diversification and Minister of State (Sport). "The Nk'Mip Desert and Heritage Centre has already been successful at attracting visitors and residents alike who come to learn more about the culture and traditions of the Osoyoos First Nations people and Canada's only desert."

“This is an incredibly unique part of the province and this Centre is helping us to see, learn and understand the history of the region,” said Bill Barisoff, MLA for Penticton-Okanagan Valley. “Funding for this project will enable the Town of Osoyoos and the Osoyoos Indian Band to expand its exhibits, ensuring residents and visitors alike can discovery as much as possible about Okanagan's past.”

The Western Economic Partnership Agreement, is a $50 million joint federal/provincial program supporting economic development in B.C. Western Economic Diversification Canada and the B.C. Ministry of Small Business and Economic Development jointly administer the program. The agreement was announced on Dec. 3, 2003, and is funded equally by the governments of Canada and British Columbia. The federal portion of the funding announced today was provided for in the February 2005 budget.

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