BC Government Program: BC Destination Development Fund
BC Government program details below:
The Province’s BC Destination Development Fund is now live. As announced in February this year, the Province is investing up to $30 million in one-time grants to support continued recovery and resiliency of the tourism sector post pandemic.
The BC Destination Development Fund aims to invest in projects that:
- Foster distinct and globally competitive destinations
- Strengthen a year-round visitor economy
- Increase community vibrancy and resident support for tourism
- Support sustainability, accessibility and inclusion
The fund will award grants across two streams.
Stream 1: Activate
Stream 1 funds up to $1,000,000 per project. Apply for this stream if your project will build or rejuvenate:
- Tourism infrastructure
- Visitor amenities
- Tourist attractions
Examples of eligible projects include:
- New tourism attraction
- Campground development
- Improved water access
- Public visitor services
- Thematic and/or Indigenous signage
- Event infrastructure
- Iconic recreational experience development
- Off-season experiences
Stream 2: Elevate
Stream 2 funds up to $500,000 per project. Apply for this stream if your project will improve destination competitiveness through:
- Modernizing tourism experiences
- Building capacity and skills
- Adopting and adapting technology
- Enhancing sustainability practices
Examples of eligible projects include:
- Accessibility and inclusion improvements
- Destination stewardship tools and infrastructure
- Community education programs
- Climate change adaptation and mitigation
- Digital adaptation and automation
- Tourism experience revitalization/restoration
Eligibility
Who can apply
You can apply if you are an eligible organization and your project meets the criteria.
Eligible organizations
- Local governments
- Indigenous governments and development organizations
- Not-for-profit organizations
Ineligible organizations
- Federal entities
- For-profit businesses
- A political party, political action group or lobby group
- Any other organization not listed under eligible organizations
What kind of projects are eligible
Your project must:
- Be located in B.C.
- Support the tourism sector
- Be visitor-oriented, open for use to the public and not limited to a private membership
- Be endorsed by the organization (for example, approved by council, board of directors or band council)
- Have demonstrated support from stakeholders and partners
- Be shovel ready (project can begin construction in the near future)
- Be completed by March 31, 2025
Due to limited capacity, projects on designated recreation sites or trails will only be considered if the project was approved under either:
- An existing Partnership Agreement with Recreation Sites and Trails BC (RSTBC)
- A new project agreement with RSTBC before November 1, 2022
How to apply
Application process
This is a two-stage application process. Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered.
First, submit an expression of interest (EOI):
- Download and complete the EOI form (PDF, 254 KB)
- Review the guidelines for completing the form (PDF, 235 KB). Support is available if you need help
- Submit the completed EOI form and supporting documents to destinationdevelopment@gov.bv.ca by 1 pm on Wednesday, December 7, 2022.
Second, wait to be contacted. Only shortlisted candidates need to submit a full application.
