DESTINATION DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY - HIGHLIGHTS HIGHWAY 1 CORRIDOR - DESTINATION DEVELOPMENT ...
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REVELSTOKE Photo: Andrew Chad THANK YOU WHAT’S The Highway 1 Corridor Destination Development Strategy is the outcome of an 18-month, iterative Thank you to our tourism partners who participated in the process by attending community meetings, INSIDE process of gathering, synthesizing, participating in surveys and interviews, 1. INTRODUCTION and validating information with engaging in follow-up conversations, 2. REALIZING THE POTENTIAL tourism partners about the current and forwarding relevant documents 3. AT A GLANCE status and future direction of and insights. Special thanks to the tourism in the Highway 1 Corridor members of the Working Group, 4. GEARING UP planning area. as well as the facilitator of the destination development process. We thank the Ktunaxa, Secwepemc and Sinixt First Nations on whose traditional territories we gathered for our community meetings. HIGHWAY 1 CORRIDOR | 2
1 INTRODUCTION WHY A STRATEGY? the Trans-Canada Highway extends some 550 kilometers development strategies, regional strategies will be and includes the Village of Field (unincorporated), the developed. These will, in turn, inform the creation of a The Highway 1 Corridor Destination Development Town of Golden, the City of Revelstoke, the District provincial strategy thereby ensuring a truly integrated Strategy was developed to enhance the competitiveness of Sicamous, the City of Salmon Arm, the Village of and cohesive combination of bottom-up and top- of the Highway 1 Corridor planning area over the next Chase, the City of Kamloops, and Sun Peaks Mountain down destination planning. 10 years and beyond. The strategy was developed as Resort Municipality. Two regional districts have governing part of Destination BC’s Destination Development authority in the planning area — Areas J, L, O, P of Program to support and guide the long-term growth A KEY IMPERATIVE the Thompson Nicola Regional District, and all the of tourism in British Columbia. This document electoral Areas (A–F) of the Columbia Shuswap The recommendations contained within the Highway 1 presents some of the key highlights of the Highway 1 Regional District. Corridor Destination Development Strategy form the Corridor strategy. foundation for additional, focused and aligned discussions regarding implementation. It will be important to ensure WHO IS IT FOR? WHERE DOES IT FIT? that the strategy becomes embedded in local, regional, The Highway 1 Corridor is one of 20 planning areas provincial, and federal decision-making processes. It is The Highway 1 Corridor Destination Development across BC for which destination development strategies only by working collaboratively, in an integrated way Strategy is a guide for tourism partners as they work are being developed. Each planning area represents a with a shared agenda, that the full potential of the collaboratively to grow the visitor economy. The strategy logical destination for visitors in and around the province. Highway 1 Corridor planning area will be realized. will be reviewed and updated to reflect changing As planning areas span across multiple jurisdictions, tourism objectives, priorities, and market conditions. the importance of adopting an integrated approach with Results will be tracked and learning outcomes will inform AT A GLANCE a shared vision and coordinated investment is critical. future implementation activities, thereby optimizing their The Highway 1 Corridor Destination Development In what follows, the distinctiveness of the destination is effectiveness in increasing economic, environmental, Strategy is one of four that will be prepared for the summarized, and its vision for tourism is introduced. social and cultural benefits for the entire Highway 1 Kootenay Rockies tourism region. The other three While acknowledging the challenges the sector faces, Corridor planning area. planning areas include West Kootenays & Revelstoke, its potential for growth is set out in terms of key the Highway 3 Corridor, and the Columbia Valley. The opportunities and experience development potential. WHERE IS IT FOR? planning area also lies within the Thompson Okanagan A consideration of each development priority and tourism region to the west and is one of six strategies associated actions then follows. While further detail on The Highway 1 Corridor planning area stretches from for that region. The other five planning areas in this each of these elements is available in the full strategy, the Alberta border in the east, to Kamloops and Savona region are: Interlakes, Okanagan Valley, Shuswap they are brought together “At A Glance” to demonstrate in the west, and includes Yoho National Park, Glacier North Okanagan, North Thompson & Nicola Valleys, the scope of the integrated nature of the approach National Park, and Mount Revelstoke National Park, and the Highway 3 Corridor. In time, informed by the being taken. as well as numerous provincial parks. This portion of outcomes of all relevant planning area destination HIGHWAY 1 CORRIDOR | 3
2 REALIZING THE POTENTIAL BLAEBERRY RIVER A DISTINCTIVE DESTINATION Photo: Ryan Creary Highway 1 is arguably the premier touring route through British Columbia, offering travellers from around the world an experience that encompasses incredible scenery, diverse ecosystems, and a series of interesting communities, many of which are destinations in their own right. Stretching some 550 kilometres from water rafting, houseboating, fishing, the Alberta border in the east, to and trail-based activities as well as Kamloops and Savona in the west, this championship golf courses. The Columbia planning area lies within the Traditional Wetlands offer unparalleled bird watching Territories of the Ktunaxa Nation, the opportunities while national and provincial Secwepemc (Shuswap) peoples, and parks afford excellent camping, hiking, and the Sinixt. mountain biking. In the winter, a well- deserved reputation for fantastic powder It embraces a wide range of biogeoclimatic draws visitors in to experience downhill zones and their associated ecosystems. resorts, backcountry lodges, and heli or It is this diversity which contributes to cat-skiing opportunities. the quality of the journey, offering visitors a chance to experience high The planning area also benefits from alpine meadows and jagged peaks, many talented artists, interesting grasslands, and an inland rainforest. heritage attractions, and numerous festivals and events. Easily accessible In the spring, summer, and fall, visitors roadside attractions can also be visited are drawn to the area to experience white along the way. HIGHWAY 1 CORRIDOR | 4
2 REALIZING THE POTENTIAL LAC DU BOIS GRASSLANDS A SHARED VISION Photo: Andrew Strain The vision for tourism development in the next 10 years reflects the distinctiveness of the destination and the ambition of its communities: THE HIGHWAY 1 CORRIDOR EXPERIENCE ONE OF CANADA’S MOST INVITES TRAVELLERS FROM ICONIC ROAD TRIPS AND ITS DESTINATIONS NEAR AND FAR TO EXPLORE IN ALL SEASONS, ENJOYING REMARKABLE THEIR WORLD AND THEMSELVES — TO EXPERIENCES IN A DEPTH AND DENSITY EXPERIENCE ADVENTURE HOWEVER THEY THAT SIMULTANEOUSLY SATES THEIR CHOOSE TO DEFINE IT. IT IS BOTH A PASSION, AND LEAVES THEM YEARNING SAFE AND EFFICIENT ROUTE TO ONE OF FOR MORE. COMMUNITIES EMBRACE THE MANY OUTSTANDING DESTINATIONS TOURISM AND SUPPORT GROWTH THAT IS ALONG THE WAY, WHERE VISITOR IN KEEPING WITH THEIR VALUES; WORKING EXPERIENCES ARE WOVEN TOGETHER IN COLLECTIVELY WITH VISITORS TO PRESERVE A TAPESTRY OF THE UNFOLDING STORIES THE HEALTH OF THE INCREDIBLE OF THE LAND AND PEOPLE, BOTH PAST ECOSYSTEMS THAT SURROUND THEM. AND PRESENT. TRAVELLERS COME TO HIGHWAY 1 CORRIDOR | 5
2 REALIZING THE POTENTIAL KEY OPPORTUNITIES EXPERIENCE POTENTIAL The planning area faces a number of The current and future experiences that • Golf Experiences — the Highway 1 developing arts, culture, and heritage challenges, including the lack of will motivate travel and differentiate the Corridor has a series of championship experiences, including culinary and and regional golf courses that offer agritourism, that, with strategic infrastructure, services, and amenities destination with a compelling, sustainable outstanding golf and a strong value support, have the potential to anchor to support travel quality; the perceived visitor experience include: proposition. shoulder season visitation and create safety of travel on Highway 1; seasonality; compelling reasons for longer lengths • Lakes, Rivers, and Wetlands based • Mountains, Lodges, and Parks — the competing demands on the resource planning area has three national parks of stay. There are three Indigenous Experiences — the planning area’s base; and staff constraints including (Yoho, Glacier, Mount Revelstoke), cultural experiences, and growing many lakes and rivers offer a wealth of skillsets and affordable housing. and numerous provincial parks, offering interest from First Nations communities visitor experiences including angling, networks of trails, camping opportunities, in the development of more. However, these challenges lead to key white-water rafting, house boating, opportunities including: swimming, paddling, salmon run interpretive programs, and in some • Touring the Corridor — the journey viewing, or simply enjoying a scenic cases lodge accommodations. There along the Highway 1 Corridor is itself a • Nurturing the capacity to build strong, waterfall. The Columbia Wetlands are are also many backcountry lodge reason for travel. The combined collaborative relationships an internationally significant wetlands operators offering both summer and experiences of the scenic vistas, the area with outstanding bird watching winter programs. opportunities for outdoor adventure, • Improving the quality of the Highway 1 and the interesting and authentic and wildlife viewing opportunities. • Trails Based Experiences — In addition Corridor journey communities en route, makes Highway • Snow based Experiences — skiing and to the trails offered in the national and • Improving the perceived safety of provincial parks, there is a growing 1 from Alberta to Kamloops one of snowboarding is offered at the travel on Highway 1 network of trails throughout Highway 1 BC’s most frequented touring routes. destination resorts of Kicking Horse, • Improving the business climate and Revelstoke, and Sun Peaks, and at the Corridor communities for motorized • Sport Tourism — community policy framework for tourism operators smaller Harper Mountain. Backcountry and non-motorized use. These trails infrastructure (arenas, fields, etc.) • Encouraging the launch of additional lodge experiences offer access to support hiking, mountain biking, trail supports the attraction of regional, shoulder-season visitor experiences remote backcountry terrain as part of running, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, provincial, and national scale sporting all-inclusive multi-day packages. and Nordic skiing activities. Increasing events, and with continued support, • Improving the quality and consistency Heli-ski and cat-ski multi-day and day investments have been made in offers potential for additional shoulder of service trips are also available. Snowmobiling is accessible trail-based experiences for season stays. • Recruiting, retaining, and training found throughout the planning area, residents and travellers with mobility • Meetings and Conferences — each staff, including the provision of from high alpine terrain, to groomed challenges. Highway 1 Corridor community offers affordable housing trails. Nordic trail networks are growing • Arts, Culture, and Heritage including both private and community facilities in all planning area communities for Culinary, Festivals, and Events — each to serve meeting and conference • Developing in a manner which respects soft winter adventurers. Highway 1 Corridor community offers business, with the potential to attract the health of the environment and community values visitors a range of existing and groups in the shoulder seasons. HIGHWAY 1 CORRIDOR | 6
3 AT A GLANCE VISION STATEMENT The Highway 1 Corridor invites travellers from near and far to explore the world and themselves — to experience adventure however they choose to define it. It is both a safe and efficient route to one of the many outstanding destinations along the way, where visitor experiences are woven together in a tapestry of the unfolding stories of the land and people, both past and present. Travellers come to experience one of Canada’s most iconic road trips and its destinations in all seasons, enjoying remarkable experiences in a depth and density that simultaneously sates their passion, and leaves them yearning for more. Communities embrace tourism and support growth that is in keeping with their values; working collectively with visitors to preserve the health of the incredible ecosystems that surround them. SAFE, SOUND & SECURE: TRAVEL QUALIT Y AND SAFET Y THEME 1 UP TO SCRATCH TIME OUT IN TOUCH Work with transportation partners to ensure highway conditions Develop rest stops, incorporating visitor services and Develop free and consistent Wi-Fi service at all rest facilitate safe, multi-modal travel. Encourage car rental supplemental amenities, along the route. Ensure advance stops along Highway 1 and introduce uninterrupted cellular companies to make provisions for visitors intending to travel in directional signage of upcoming locations is consistently service en route to adjacent locations. winter road conditions. Ensure visitors are equipped with branded, and incorporates, where appropriate, cultural consistent, branded messaging relating to safe travel. interpretive storytelling. ON TWO WHEELS WITHIN EASY REACH MORE CHOICE Provide safe routes for road cyclists parallel to, but separated Support increased capacity, and more reliable, weather- Develop circle routes and side-trips to encourage travellers from, the highway. Where separation cannot be achieved, independent, access at regional airports. Encourage regional to venture off the highway and stay longer in each community. ensure minimum shoulder widths are provided. Encourage the airports to enhance their services in terms of accommodating Keep resource roads that lead to exceptional and established development of a network of paved trails around each luggage, bikes, and skis. Explore shuttle service viability and recreation areas open and maintained. community for cyclists. public transit options between gateway airports, communities, and experiences for both workers and visitors. READY, WILLING & ABLE: ATTRACTIVE BUSINESS CLIMATE THEME 2 VALUED & SUPPORTED CONSIDERED & RESPONSIVE AFFORDABLY ACCOMMODATED Communicate the value of tourism to residents, other Ensure tourism operators and community groups take Informed by best practices in other communities, develop a industries, and government. Ensure tourism values are a considered approach to engaging First Nations in tourism local/regional affordable housing strategy, and secure reflected in local and regional planning processes. Encourage development. Advocate for resources to support capacity resources to implement its initial phase of recommendations. business owners, front-line staff, and residents to familiarize for engagement at local community and First Nations level. Profile this issue across all relevant discussion forums and themselves with the tourism offer and become ambassadors encourage a province-wide approach to its solution. for the visitor economy.
3 AT A GLANCE THEME 2 CONTINUED ATTRACT, RECRUIT, & RETAIN WELL-PREPARED RELIABLY RESOURCED Create a cross-season/cross-business job pool to support Grow awareness of training grants and wage supports Continue to promote existing business support programs and year-round staff retention within, and between, communities. programs, and in building awareness of existing training available sources of capital. Investigate possible pooled Build awareness of tourism employment opportunities for programs, identify and promote opportunities that are liability insurance programs for land-based and water-based Indigenous communities, promote tourism career paths, and relevant, affordable, and deliverable on the business activity operators, transport and shuttle operators, and other work with the education sector to ensure courses offered premises. Encourage visitor centres, front-line staff, and other tourism experience providers. and industry needs align. Advocate for changes to Employment potential ambassadors along the Highway 1 Corridor to Insurance legislation and the Foreign Workers Program, to meet participate in cross-industry education programs. seasonal employment needs. WHAT MATTERS MOST: ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILIT Y THEME 3 APPRORIATE, ACCEPTABLE & AGREED MEASURE, MONITOR & MITIGATE SPREAD THE WORD AIM HIGH Within the context of a recreational land Identify and agree on measures and collect Create and communicate a code of respectful Achieve an internationally recognized and water management plan, manage data on the impacts of tourism on conduct for residents and visitors, and a shared certification as a sustainable tourism strategic growth within the capacity of the ecosystem health leading to recommendations story for safeguarding the environmental destination, under a program such as land and communities to sustain that growth. for mitigation and management. integrity. Within the context of a balanced Biosphere, certified by the Responsible Work collaboratively to sustainably fund approach, work to minimize conflicts between Tourism Institute. the planning, enforcement and shared different users. stewardship of the natural resource base. STAY IN TUNE: COMMUNIT Y SUSTAINABILIT Y THEME 4 PLACE MATTERS VALUES COUNT VOLUNTEERS ARE VITAL A SUPPORTED COMMUNITY Ensure that the places which visitors and Embed community values, aspirations, and Find ways to renew, resource, and reward the Work collaboratively with community service residents encounter — particularly the limits on the extent and nature of tourism role of volunteers in sustaining key aspects providers and local businesses to explore downtown cores along the corridor — are in the creation and review of all relevant policy of the experience economy. Communicate sustainable funding models (e.g., user fees vibrant, attractive, and well maintained. documents. Consciously align target markets volunteer opportunities and their associated to support Search & Rescue) and secure Investigate funding for local governments with community values to ensure an optimal recognition or incentive programs. Advocate incremental resources. Ensure visitors, to enable them to accommodate visitor- match between visitor demand and for additional leveraged funding against temporary workers, and residents alike are induced growth and ensure the continuation community response. documented in-kind volunteer contributions. fully aware of health and safety protocols. of Resort Municipality Initiative funding. HIGHWAY 1 CORRIDOR | 8
3 AT A GLANCE A COMPELLING OFFER: EXPERIENTIAL MIX/QUALIT Y THEME 5 OPEN FOR BUSINESS COME HAIL OR SHINE SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE EXCEED EXPECTATIONS Encourage the public and private sectors to Identify gaps in the provision of weather- Identify gaps in the provision of entry-level, Encourage Highway 1 Corridor tourism invest in new, and leverage existing, independent visitor experiences. Encourage age-friendly, accessible, family-friendly, and experience providers to participate in experiences to grow shoulder season visitation. the public and private sectors to invest in the pet-friendly visitor experiences, and encourage Destination BC’s Remarkable Experiences Encourage existing businesses to adjust their development of additional experiences the public and private sectors to invest in their program. Ensure relevant training opening hours in line with visitor demand and where needed. development. Provide training for businesses opportunities are provided. provide evening experiences to grow the and visitor experience providers in responding night-time visitor economy. to the needs of new and emerging markets. BE REMARKABLE ON THE FAIRWAY ON THE SLOPES ACCESSIBLE MOUNTAINS Ensure the supporting infrastructure for Encourage the introduction of golf Identify the inventory of, and gaps in, current Identify gaps in the provision of experiences the realization of remarkable experiences experiences that appeal to new entrants snow-based experiences (ski, snowboard, heli/ related to mountain, lodge, parks, and nature (e.g., lookouts, water access, boat launches, to the sport. cat access, snowmobile, snowshoe, fatbiking, appreciation, and promote investment marinas, shelters, etc.) is developed within Nordic, backcountry touring, ice-climbing), in additional experiences. Continue to the context of an integrated masterplan and promote opportunities to launch additional expand high season camping capacity which addresses the sensitivities of the experiences where needed. in strategic locations. environment into account. INTO THE BLUE TRAILS THAT CONNECT CULTURE THAT RESONATES SPORT FOR ALL A PLACE TO MEET Identify gaps in the provision of Work collaboratively to achieve a Identify gaps in the provision of arts, Encourage efforts to secure single Encourage Highway 1 Corridor lakes, rivers, and wetlands wide range of strategically culture, and heritage experiences. or multi-community sport tourism community efforts to secure experiences. Promote investment interconnected, trail-based Develop agritourism, culinary, events (tournaments, races, etc.). incremental meetings/conference opportunities for creating additional experiences across multiple festivals and events, and Indigenous Conduct feasibility studies related visitation, particularly in shoulder water-based experiences — house communities within the Highway 1 cultural experiences. Support to the provision of additional sport seasons, and participate in feasibility boating, angling, white water rafting, Corridor. Develop sustainable Indigenous communities and tourism infrastructure. studies related to increasing and paddling, as well as gear rental funding models for trails that entrepreneurs in tourism business related infrastructure. and guided tours. support mountain biking, road development, and secure a regional cycling, hiking, and motorized use resource within Kootenay Rockies where appropriate. Tourism (KRT) to work with First Nations’ communities. MOVING FORWARD TOGETHER: COLL ABORATION THEME 6 AREA-WIDE Establish a platform for collaboration between Highway 1 Corridor communities. Focus on the activation of the destination strategy themes and work together to communicate, align, leverage, and resource activities in support of destination development.
4 GEARING UP ROGERS PASS SUCCESS NETWORKS FRAMEWORK Photo: Bruno Long This strategy is intended to inform The strategy presents the destination actions for the future, which over development objectives using a time may be embedded in local, consistent framework to determine regional, and provincial decision the prioritization of each objective, making. The result will be an and the relative timing for integrated system of priorities to implementation. Objectives with achieve better development a provincial or regional scope are decisions, drive greater tourism identified as well and will inform the revenues, and realize benefits for regional and provincial destination businesses and communities in the development strategies. Highway 1 Corridor planning area. All of this will contribute to a thriving, vibrant, and growing economy. High Value 1. QUICK Joint strategy ownership among all WINS 2. LONGER TERM ACTIONS planning area tourism partners is a (2018–2021) (2022–2028) critical component of this program’s success. The strategy identifies a suggested success network of tourism partners to champion and move 3. SET ASIDE 4. LEAVE OUT UNTIL OF STRATEGY, actions within each objective forward. RESOURCES REEVALUATE Low Value ALLOW IN FUTURE Low Complexity High Complexity HIGHWAY 1 CORRIDOR | 10
4 GEARING UP CATALYST PROJECTS The following seventeen actions were identified as catalyst • Work collaboratively with Drive BC/AB, emergency management framework (front, mid, and back), and a projects for immediately moving the strategy into responders, RCMP, and TRAN to align communications shared stewardship/enforcement model (including implementation. across provincial boundaries and to ensure positive and lakes and rivers) to provide reasonable certainty for open for business facts are promoted through tourism development, environmental protection, Safe, Sound & Secure: Travel Quality and Safety DriveBC/AB as well as accurate, factual, and timely Indigenous rights and values, motorized and non- • Work collaboratively to achieve improved commercial information regarding incidents. motorized use, public and commercial recreation uses, and vehicle driver training and enforcement of training and • Work collaboratively with Parks Canada to provide a viewscapes. Incorporate recommendations of the master licensing. collective vision and a clear definition of the need for plan for visitor services, infrastructure, and amenities. • Work collaboratively with TRAN to review the traveller services and amenities at Rogers Pass. • Work collaboratively to identify sustainable funding for standards of road maintenance and avalanche control • Present information on increasing road cycle usage resources dedicated to planning, enforcement, and a included in operator contracts, and to ensure both on Highway 1 and on paved routes around shared stewardship model of the land and water standards are adhered to throughout the year. communities along the Highway 1 Corridor, and the management framework. • Advocate for car rental companies to require renter associated tourism potential to TRAN, with the objective of securing separate paved trails wherever A Compelling Offer: Experiential Mix/Quality declaration of intended travel, so that travellers intending to drive in winter road conditions are possible, and minimum shoulder widths where • Collaborate to create a master planning area map of forewarned and given the opportunity to change to a separation is not feasible. high use areas and high sensitivity areas (land and more appropriate vehicle, and/or tires. water) to be used to inform land management planning Ready, Willing & Able: Attractive Business Climate processes, and other plans for infrastructure • Support car rental companies that offer winter rated • Educate tourism operators and community groups development in these areas (e.g., rest stops, lookouts, tires to vehicle renters at no, or minimal, charge (new and potential) on protocols for engaging with washrooms, parking for private vehicles/buses, bike through preferred supplier promotions. First Nations, and on operating in traditional territories. racks, signage, lookouts, water access, boat launches, • Support the introduction of a variable speed corridor marinas, shelters, wi-fi/connectivity, accessibility along the entire length of Highway 1, and lower speed • Develop a local/regional affordable housing strategy considerations, invasive species cleaning stations etc.). limits for commercial traffic. (learning from best practices of other communities), and secure resources to implement the initial phase of Moving Forward Together: Collaboration • Advocate for improved avalanche risk management recommendations. infrastructure (e.g., snow sheds) and avalanche • Convene a facilitated workshop to discuss the roles prevention scheduling to reduce the number and • Advocate for a province-wide review of sources of and responsibilities and the collaborative model for duration of closures. existing and incremental funding to support the working together moving forward (e.g., model after the implementation of an affordable housing strategy. Highway 3 Mayors & Chairs Coalition). • Work collaboratively with DriveBC/TRAN to develop and communicate consistent branded messaging about Highway 1, including enhanced content, and What Matters Most: Environmental Sustainability information to improve perceptions of safety. • Work collaboratively with the provincial and federal government to develop and resource a process for inter-industry mediation, as well as a land and water HIGHWAY 1 CORRIDOR | 11
LOOKING Read the Highway 1 Corridor Destination Development Strategy or reach us at: DESTINATION BC FOR MORE destinationdevelopment@destinationbc.ca MINISTRY OF TOURISM, ARTS, AND CULTURE amber.mattock@gov.bc.ca INFORMATION? INDIGENOUS TOURISM ASSOCIATION OF BC info@indigenousbc.com KOOTENAY ROCKIES TOURISM Emilie@KootenayRockies.com THOMPSON OKANAGAN TOURISM ASSOCIATION industry@totabc.com FRONT COVER PHOTO: YOHO NATIONAL PARK, Albert Normandin SICAMOUS Photo: Darren Robinson HIGHWAY 1 CORRIDOR | 12
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