Barkerville Historic Town & Park has received $1 million from the B.C. Provincial Government’s Destination Development Fund to help enhance Barkerville’s four seasons’ accommodations.
The approved project will add twenty-two insulated cabins to its campgrounds and provide outdoor recreation enthusiasts with more options for places to stay during their winter getaways.
“We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport,” says Rocky Nenka, Commerce & Indigenous Relations Manager in Barkerville Historic Town & Park. “This expansion to our accommodation portfolio will benefit not only our precious heritage site, but also support tourism in the local community, including nearby Wells, B.C. It is an incredible opportunity for the region, and I’m excited to get to work when we have finished this year’s main tourist season.”
The project, slated to begin in October 2023, will also see the renovation of existing cabins in all three of Barkerville’s nearby campgrounds with the addition of full washrooms and kitchens and winter-grade plumbing and heating in the larger structures. Water and sewer will also be installed at the Government Hill Campground with a new washhouse. The existing washhouses at the Lowhee and Forest Rose Campgrounds will also be winterized, allowing for year-round use. To top it all off, the Historic King House, one of Barkerville’s two heritage guest houses, will be available for winter bookings after its insulation upgrades are completed.
“Our government is proud to support the tourism sector, the people who work in it, and its sustained recovery,” said Lana Popham, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “By supporting Barkerville Town and Park, we are investing in tourism infrastructure to strengthen a year-round visitor economy and increasing community vibrancy for residents and visitors alike.”
The Government of British Columbia developed the Destination Development Fund (DDF) to build a resilient and globally competitive tourism sector and to help communities in British Columbia recover from the economic impacts experienced from COVID-19. This project has been selected by the Provincial Government as it supports the DDF’s objectives by fostering distinct and globally competitive destinations, strengthening a year-round visitor economy, increasing community vibrancy and resident support for tourism, and supporting sustainability, accessibility, and inclusion. Barkerville’s accommodation upgrades are scheduled to be completed for the 2025 summer season.
Barkerville’s main season opens Saturday June 3rd and runs until Sunday September 10th. For more information about booking Barkerville’s available accommodations for the 2023 season, visit http://barkerville.ca.