Red Mountain Racers and the City of Rossland are the happy recipients of grants provided by the 2022 Community Economic Recovery Infrastructure Program’s (CERIP) destination development stream.
The Red Mt. Racers Society will receive $700,000 to make improvements to the race center and its on-hill facilities.
“This generous investment…will enable us to suitably host the 2026 BC Games and many more large-scale events,” said Jane Paterson, president Red Mt. Racers Society.
“We are grateful for the support from the community and Red Mountain Resort as we grow our race venue and host more events in Rossland.”
The Red Mountain Racer proposal will see the expansion of the Race Centre at Red Mountain, including new Race Centre Building for four season event hosting, new lighting on the t-bar slope for night slalom races and an extension of the snowmaking system to include the ski-cross course.
The Red Mountain Racers was founded in 1947 and is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the development of Alpine Ski Racing from entry-level ages to Masters in all disciplines including Slalom, Giant Slalom, Super G, Downhill and Ski Cross.
Rossland, meanwhile, will receive $100,000 for the construction of a new public washroom in the downtown core in response to a need identified by citizens, businesses, and the tourism sector.
In February 2021, in response to the pandemic and through StrongerBC, the Province provided $20 million for 54 projects specifically for tourism through the first round of CERIP.
The second investment of $21.3 million in 2022 doubled this, providing a total of $41.3 million for the tourism ecosystem for more than 100 projects.
The downtown washroom has been on Rossland council’s to do list for some time and in October 2020 council supported staff in submitting the provincial grant application.
Although, unsuccessful in the first attempt, the second proved a charm, and was awarded to the Golden City.
In addition, council provided a letter of support for the Red Mountain Racers and their application to build a race centre.
“We know tourism infrastructure is a priority for communities,” said Melanie Mark, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “Today, we are responding to this call to action from the sector that will further support its recovery efforts from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Our investment in tourism creates good-paying jobs that directly support local economies now and will elevate our reputation as a world-class destination for the many visitors looking to return to B.C. for years to come.”
The grants are intended to strengthen tourism growth and develop tourism opportunities by stimulating the recovery of B.C.’s post-pandemic visitor economy.
Continued investments in destination development will increase employment and job creation, and establish more livable communities while enhancing residents’ quality of life and visitors’ experiences.
Projects were chosen for their demonstrated tourism benefits to communities, along with new jobs, many of which will provide employment for apprentices, youth, new Canadians, women and Indigenous Peoples. Eligible applicants included local governments, First Nations and non-profit organizations.
Read: Red Mt. Racers call on community for PEAK support
sports@trailtimes.ca
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter