Today, Cathy McLeod, Member of Parliament for Kamloops – Thompson – Cariboo, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced federal support for the development and upgrading of a trail system in the 100 Mile House area.

“Our government is taking action to assist communities that have been challenged by the mountain pine beetle,” said McLeod. “This investment will support our local tourism industry and build a stronger economic foundation for the future.”

The District of 100 Mile House will assess already existing trail systems; identify linkage opportunities; and undertake signage, mapping and promotional activities. By linking community trails between 70 Mile House and Wells, this project would provide social, recreational and tangible business opportunities to many communities in the Cariboo region. Project activities will include trail development and upgrading for a multi-purpose trail; updating trail mapping; improving trail signage; trail marketing; trail clean up; and establishing a trail maintenance program to ensure trail safety and sustainability.

“Tourism in the Cariboo is a key sector with room for expansion and plays a vital role in diversifying and stimulating the local economy,” said Mayor Mitch Campsall. “This project will build on the successes of the Gold Rush Trail by providing quality recreation experiences for visitors and economic returns for tourism operators and communities along the route”.

Federal funding of $191,500 is being provided by Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) under the Community Economic Diversification Initiative (CEDI), a component of the federal Mountain Pine Beetle Program.

Western Economic Diversification Canada works with the provinces, industry associations, and communities to promote the development and diversification of the western economy, coordinates federal economic activities in the West and represents the interests of western Canadians in national decision making.

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