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In a release today, the province announced it will be making investments in high-speed internet for rural or remote tourism destinations.
The statement claims that improved internet will give the tourism industry new ways to market themselves and recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The statement continues by saying that Telus will receive up to $468,092 in funding grants through the ministry of citizen’s services Connecting BC program.
The program will see fibre-optic internet being introduced to Raft River (outside Clearwater) and the Panorama Mountain Resort (outside Invermere), claiming that this will greatly increase the speed and reliability of internet for people and businesses in those areas.
ABC Communications will receive $176,681 in funding, also through the Connecting BC program, to bring reliable high-speed internet to Horsefly (outside Williams Lake).
“Improved internet access can help strengthen the recovery of tourism-based businesses and communities,” said Lisa Beare, minister of citizens’ services.
“These investments will make it easier for small businesses to market themselves, while adding an important amenity people can enjoy when visiting these beautiful communities.”
The statement says that the province contributed $90 million in Sept. 2020 to the Connecting BC program under the StrongerBC Economic Recovery Plan.
The Northern Development Initiative Trust, a regionally operated economic development funding corporation, has been the main fund administrator to the Connecting BC program, since the program was started in 2015.
“This investment enables people to plan a trip and stay connected to loved ones,” said Melanie Mark, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport.
“It also empowers tourism businesses to more effectively market their businesses and ensures visitors can access travel information wherever they are, whenever they need it.”
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