Organizations across Vancouver Island will benefit from a substantial investment designed to help boost the region’s leadership potential in ocean technology and Indigenous tourism.
A total of $3.5 million in funding for eight Vancouver Island based organizations, through the Tourism Growth Program, has been handed down by the federal government and PacifiCan.
According to minister of emergency preparedness Harjit Sajjan the money will be used to stimulate and build a stronger regional economy from Victoria to Alert Bay.
“By investing in some of the Island’s most innovative organizations and championing leaders in areas such as ocean technology and Indigenous tourism, PacifiCan is increasing BC’s competitiveness on the world stage,” he says. “This means fostering unique cultural experiences and creating enduring prosperity for British Columbians.”
Sajjan announced the investment during a visit to Open Ocean Robotics, where they plan to use $800,000 to help the company scale up production of their uncrewed surface vehicles (USV) which provide real-time ocean information.
Chief technology officer for Open Ocean Robotics Dr. Fritz Stahr says the announcement will allow them to increase production.
“PacifiCan’s support has allowed us to ramp up production of our award-winning USV’s more quickly than we could otherwise,” Stahr says. “We look forward to continuing as a leader in ocean robotics in Canada for many years to come.”
The announcement also includes $1.7 million to Fluorescent Design, Industrial Plankton and Namgis Business Development Corporation.
Also, four new sports hubs will be getting $1 million to create vibrant Indigenous arts and cultural experiences, which PacifiCan says is important to Vancouver Island’s economy and long-term prosperity.
PacifiCan is a federal economic development agency to build innovative businesses, create jobs, and supporting growth in BC.
According to a media release, the Tourism Growth Program is part of the Federal Tourism Growth strategy and is a $108 million national program, of which $14 million has gone to BC to help build small and medium-sized businesses, not-for-profit organizations, and communities develop local tourism attractions and experiences that make Canada a destination place.
