The United Riders of Cumberland will receive $150,000 from the government鈥檚 Destination Development Fund, to increase tourism in the Comox Valley.

The money will be used to establish an International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA) 鈥渃ertified EPIC鈥� backcountry experience trail that acts as a marquee attraction with the existing Cumberland multi-use trail network.

The UROC project is one of 31 infrastructure tourism projects funded in the Friday, Oct. 27 announcement. The government release said the money 鈥渨ill help enhance visitor experiences and create vibrant communities throughout the province.鈥�

Mid Island-Pacific Rim MLA Josie Osbourne said the money will be well spent.

鈥淧eople love to come to our region to mountain bike and explore our forests,鈥� she said. 鈥淭his funding will support the United Riders of Cumberland in their mission to build an 鈥榚pic鈥� trail for riders to enjoy along with the Cumberland multi-use trail network that is already beloved by bikers, hikers, runners, and outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and abilities.鈥�

Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, Lana Popham, said this one-time grant is an effort to help communities re-establish themselves in the tourism market.

鈥淏ritish Columbia is a world-class destination and tourism is one of the province鈥檚 greatest economic drivers,鈥� she said. 鈥淭he past three years have been incredibly challenging for people in the tourism industry, especially after years of economic uncertainty and extreme weather events like the recent wildfires. Investing in tourism infrastructure supports the tourism sector, the people who work in it, and is helping to create vibrant communities for all British Columbians and visitors.鈥�

The Destination Development Fund supports tourism businesses by developing and rejuvenating tourism infrastructure.

For more information on Destination Development approved projects, visit bit.ly/3Mm9Ie2