Feds promise nearly $7M for Island tourism, business groups

The federal government has promised nearly $7 million to help support tourism operations and local businesses expand on Vancouver Island.

The business spans the island, from Victoria to Duncan to Ucluelet and beyond, as well as for groups that aim to support the Island as a whole, such as the Tourism Association of Vancouver Island.

Tourism funding

On Vancouver Island, five groups will be splitting nearly $1 million earmarked by the federal government.

The B.C. Aviation Museum in North Saanich – which recently became home to the famous Hawaii Martin Mars waterbomber – is receiving $250,000 to support its “tourism growth program.” The funding will be used to help create a dedicated display for the Martin Mars.

Meanwhile, the Redd Fish Restoration Society will also be receiving a quarter of a million dollars to build a new interpretive centre in Ucluelet.

“The interpretive centre will serve as a hub for regenerative tourism in Ucluelet, on the west coast of Vancouver Island,” said the federal government in a release Wednesday. The interactive centre will be located in a refurbished, 4,000-square-foot building and include exhibits on the local watershed and old-growth forests.

The remaining funding will go to the Friends of the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory Society, which operates the Centre of the Universe observatory near Victoria ($165,440) – the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations Economic Development Corporation ($179,875) – and the Tourism Association of Vancouver Island ($149,045).

$6M for Vancouver Island businesses

Meanwhile, the federal government has promised nearly $6 million to support three Vancouver Island businesses – which is part of Ottawa’s goal of helping made-in-B.C. products reach markets across the world.

Mustimuhw Information Solutions, a software company created and owned by Cowichan Tribes, is receiving $3.26 million to help expand its digital health platform.

“The company develops software that helps First Nations and Indigenous health and family-services organizations manage medical records and other personal data in a culturally sensitive way,” said the federal government.

Meanwhile, MarineLabs in Victoria will receive $1.8 million to add more sensors to its ocean data network. The company tracks real-time weather and waves for ports and ships in the area.

Lastly, the Victoria-based VitaminLab is receiving $921,278 to help move to a larger facility, and add more automation to its production.

The company makes personalized vitamin supplements based on peoples health data, according to the feds.

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Funding for these businesses and the tourism industry comes from the federal government’s PacifiCan agency, which works to support businesses and create jobs in B.C.

The nearly $7 million in funding comes from a larger $23.1 million package aimed at supporting the two industries across British Columbia.

“British Columbians are known around the world for innovation,” said Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada.

“Business leaders across the province are transforming industries like agriculture and digital technology. PacifiCan is here to support these businesses,” said Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada.

“The investments announced today will strengthen B.C. companies’ competitiveness and help to ensure long-term prosperity for all British Columbians.”

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