NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Release Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and 2015JTST0132-001374 Responsible for Labour Aug. 24, 2015 Valemount receives almost $57,000 to support local tourism VALEMOUNT ʹValemount will receive a total of $56,627 for projects that help support tourism infrastructure and amenities, announced Shirley Bond, MLA for Prince George-Valemount. The funding comes from the government͛s Resort Municipality Initiative (RMI), which helps to grow the tourism sector in eligible municipalities. This year, the B.C. government is providing a total of $10.5 million to 14 eligible communities and is extending the RMI program for another year to the end of 2017. Municipalities eligible for RMI funding are Fernie, Golden, Harrison Hot Springs, Invermere, Kimberley, Osoyoos, Radium Hot Springs, Revelstoke, Rossland, Sun Peaks, Tofino, Ucluelet, Valemount and Whistler. More than $98.1 million in RMI funding has been invested since 2006 to support tourism infrastructure and programs, helping to grow these local and regional economies. Valemount has been participating in the RMI program since 2007. It is prioritizing its RMI spending on projects that expand recreational opportunities and encourage visitors to return to the community including trail development for spring and winter events like the Valemount Winter Festival so visitors and participants can enjoy the popular snowmobile drag races. Tourism is one of the sectors identified in the BC Jobs Plan, which continues to build on the strengths of eight of the province͛s most competitive sectors, utilizing B.C.͛s educated and skilled workforce, keeping the economy diverse, strong and growing. The B.C. tourism industry created 132,200 jobs and generated $13.9 billion in revenues in 2013. RMI supports the BC Jobs Plan and Gaining the Edge: B.C.͛s Tourism Strategy by helping resort- based municipalities address the unique challenges they face as seasonally dependent economies. In addition to RMI funding, the Province invests more than $90 million annually in the tourism sector throughout B.C. Quotes: Shirley Bond, MLA for Prince George-Valemount ʹ ͞Valemount is a beautiful place and tourism plays an important role in growing the economy. If we can encourage visitors to stay overnight or add an extra night, it makes a significant economic difference! This grant will help enhance some of the important tourism features that will help us attract more visitors to Valemount and the Robson Valley.͟ Jeannette Townsend, mayor of Valemount ʹ ͞I want to thank Minister Shirley Bond, our MLA, and the Province of British Columbia for the Resort Municipality Initiative Program. I am deeply grateful for the consistent positive response our government gives to assist resort communities and rural communities in developing and improving amenities such as the Cranberry Marsh Trail and Boardwalk in the Valemount area.͟ Quick Facts: Valemount is receiving $56,627 for FY 2015-16 and has received a total of $486,541 since 2007. More than $98.1 million in RMI funding has been invested since 2006 to support tourism infrastructure and programs, helping to grow these communities͛local and regional economies. In 2014, 4.7 million international visitors came to B.C. ʹa 5.3% increase and nearly a quarter of a million more people than the previous year. In 2013, tourism provided a direct contribution to B.C.͛s gross domestic product of $7.3 billion, accounting for 4% of the province͛s total GDP. In 2013, the tourism sector employed 132,200 British Columbians ʹthat is about one in every 15 jobs in B.C. Learn More: BC Jobs Plan: http://engage.gov.bc.ca/bcjobsplan/ To learn more about the Resort Municipality Initiative, visit: http://ow.ly/R0k5j Media Contact: Media Relations Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Responsible for Labour 250 387-2799 Connect with the Province of B.C. at: www.gov.bc.ca/connect.