Golden’s Gateway to the Rockies sparkles with improvements

New interpretive signs in Golden are one of the ways that RMI funding is helping to improve the area.

New interpretive signs in Golden, B.C., were funded by the Resort Municipality Initiative, a fund to help small tourism-based communities attract new visitors. — Photo courtesy BC Government

Visitors are starting to notice that all that glitters is indeed Golden!

It’s not just the beautiful mountains that make the town stand out. Now some interpretive kiosks are helping to add to its appeal.

Resort Municipality Initiative (RMI) funding of $126,500 has gone toward the design, construction, installation and curation of four interpretive kiosks in Golden. The total cost of the project is $132,500. The new kiosks which are expected to become landmarks within Golden, provide information for visitors about the area. Three of the kiosks are already installed and a fourth will be later this year.

In addition to supporting new kiosks in Golden, RMI funding of more than $500,000 recently went toward the initial phase of the Highway 1 Corridor Enhancement. The upgrades include landscaping improvements alongside the roadway, giving tourists an even more positive first impression of the community. The changes are expected to be complete in July.

The $10.5 million a year RMI program managed by the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training helps small, tourism-based municipalities attract visitors through funding for tourism related infrastructure and events. Golden has received $5,316,383 in funding since it joined the RMI program in 2006.

Other communities that participate in the RMI program include Fernie, Harrison Hot Springs, Osoyoos, Kimberley, Invermere, Radium Hot Springs, Revelstoke, Rossland, Sun Peaks, Tofino, Ucluelet, Valemount and Whistler.

To keep our economy diverse, strong and growing, since September 2011 the BC Jobs Plan has been building on the strengths of eight of our province’s key sectors using our educated and skilled workforce. B.C.’s tourism sector is one of the eight key sectors identified in the BC Jobs Plan, creating more than 132,200 jobs and $13.9 billion in revenues across the province in 2013. Since RMI inception in 2007, over $87.6 million has been invested in tourism infrastructure and programs to support local and regional tourism economies in the 14 participating communities.

Key Quotes:

Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour -

“This is an example of how RMI funding can be used effectively. It is intended to develop and enhance local tourism related infrastructure and amenities. The money that’s gone toward the Highway 1 enhancements and now the four new interpretive kiosks, makes Golden even more attractive for visitors. It encourages them to stay longer and want to return to the area. The end result is that it helps to increase tourism, strengthen the economy and of course that means more jobs for the region.”

Naomi Yamamoto, Minister of State Tourism and Small Business -
“Tourism is an important economic driver and is one of B.C.’s top job creating industries. The addition of the interpretive kiosks and the Highway 1 landscaping improvements will further enhance Golden’s aesthetic appeal, help grow the local economy and provide a better overall tourism experience for visitors.”

Ron Oszust, mayor of Golden -
“The kiosks are design motif extensions of our continuing visitor sign program, beautifying our community while also providing colourful displays and information about visitor attractions and activities. Along with our landscaping initiatives, they are amenities perfect for RMI program support being part of a growing amenity infrastructure that tourists need and expect in a resort municipality.”

Quick Facts:

• In 2014, 4.7 million international visitors came to B.C. - a 5.3% increase and nearly a quarter of a million more people than the previous year.
• The RMI program aims to: increase the number of visitors, their length of stay, broaden resort activities, increase employment and diversify the local tax base.

Source: BC Government