The Vanderhoof area will benefit from a new historic park and the restoration of historic buildings, thanks to two investments by the Government of Canada, through Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD).

Federal funding of over $636,000 was announced today by Dick Harris, Member of Parliament for Cariboo – Prince George, on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, President of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification and the Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of Natural Resources. Funding is provided under the Community Economic Diversification Initiative (CEDI), a component of the federal Mountain Pine Beetle Program.

“Developing improved tourism opportunities is a renewal option for Mountain Pine Beetle affected communities that need to diversify their local economy,” said MP Harris. “With this investment, the District of Vanderhoof and Nechako Valley Historical Society will strengthen the local economy by developing new tourist attractions.”

"The projects announced today are examples of how the Government of Canada is addressing the needs of communities affected by the Mountain Pine Beetle infestation," said Minister Lunn. "Through this support, our government is helping impacted communities turn challenges into economic opportunities."

Funding of $361,800 will help the Nechako Valley Historical Society restore the 1929 Smithers Heritage House and O.K. Cafe at the Vanderhoof Museum. The House renovation will provide year round retail opportunities, and will include the addition of a bookstore and gift shop featuring local authors and artists.

"Through progressive thinking and generous assistance WD has made it possible for us to complete two major restoration projects," said Glenda Olson, Director of the Nechako Valley Historical Society. "These two projects will excitement and involvement in the community necessary to turn this site into a viable tourism attraction that will bring traffic and capital to our area."

Additionally, funding of $274,991 will assist in the two-phase development of an Historic Park to increase tourism and strengthen the local economy.  In addition to an environmental assessment, the project will include landscaping, displays, a gazebo, sidewalks and new international signage that highlights the region’s unique features and history.

"The District of Vanderhoof recognizes that improving and developing local amenities is a way to attract visitors and business to our local economy," said Mayor Len Fox. " We thank the Government of Canada for their support of this initiative which will create a stopping place along the Hwy 16 corridor and an opportunity to entice travelers into our community."

Managed by Western Economic Diversification Canada, CEDI will invest more than $33 million over two years towards projects in communities most at risk from the Mountain Pine Beetle infestation. The program supports a wide range of projects that further economic growth, job creation and future community sustainability.

The CEDI program is part of the Government of Canada’s $200 million comprehensive response to mitigate the short- and long-term effects of the Mountain Pine Beetle infestation on B.C.’s forestry sector. This federal Mountain Pine Beetle Program is led by Natural Resources Canada, in collaboration with Western Economic Diversification Canada and Transport Canada.

Western Economic Diversification Canada is a department of the Government of Canada that works in partnership with the provinces, industry associations and communities to promote the development and diversification of the western economy and to represent the interests of the West in national decision-making.

For more information on the federal Mountain Pine Beetle Program, please visit: http://mpb.cfs.nrcan.gc.ca/

For additional information, contact:

Pierre Floréa
Director of Communications
Office of the President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification
Telephone: (613) 943-1838

Kathie Laforge
Economic Development Offier
District of Vanderhoof
Vanderhoof, BC
Telephone: (250) 567-4711