Development Association of BC and local Community Futures (CF) organizations to facilitate economic rebuilding in affected communities.
One example of a project supported through this funding is in the town of Clearwater, BC, in the North Thompson River valley north of Kamloops. The forestry sector has been a major source of employment in Clearwater for generations, but the town is now dealing with the closure of the nearby Vavenby sawmill. The community has found an opportunity to decrease its vulnerability to fluctuations in the forestry sector by diversifying its economy and growing its tourism sector.
Clearwater borders Wells Gray Provincial Park. In spring 2018, Tourism Wells Gray received funding from CF Thompson Country to expand its digital marketing presence and to bolster tourism offerings in the winter, spring and fall shoulder seasons. This strengthens the sector and increases year-round employment opportunities.
Clearwater is located within the Simpcw First Nation’s traditional territory and its outdoor and cultural tourism products include cultural displays and traditional foods at the North Thompson Aboriginal Centre. With CF and Canadian Red Cross wildfire recovery funding, Tourism Wells Gray promotes these offerings through digital marketing campaigns and by training local businesses to work with travel companies to attract visitors to the region.
Article featured in West at a Glance Diversification Summer 2019 – Western Economic Diversification
