FRASER VALLEY DESTINATION MANAGEMENT COUNCIL UPDATE

Accelerating the visitor-based evolution of the Experience the Fraser (ETF) initiative is a key focus for the Fraser Valley Destination Management Council. The planning area’s Destination Development strategy highlights the importance of reactivating the ETF plan, originally initiated in the late 2000’s, by encouraging investment in river-based tourism accommodations, attractions and activities. When complete, the ETF will be a recreational, cultural and heritage project which connects communities along the Fraser River with over 550 kilometres of trails and blueways.

The Fraser Valley Destination Management Council has been connecting with each municipality and First Nation along the lower Fraser River to discuss the vision. Grants have been secured for several projects such as planning, trail development and Indigenous interpretive signage which showcases the cultural importance of the Fraser River. In 2022, the group coordinated GIS-mapping of the entire Coast to Canyon greenway, outlining locations for signage, improvements and trail development. For 2023, the council will be sharing and advancing these findings with all ETF partners from the Salish Sea to Hope.