Dark Sky Tourism and Rural Development: Lessons From The Jasper Dark Sky Festival

Journal of Rural and Community Development Dark Sky Tourism and Rural Development: Lessons From The Jasper Dark Sky Festival Authors: Clark Banack & Glen Hvenegaard Publisher:Rural Development Institute, Brandon University. Editor:Dr. Doug Ramsey Open Access Policy:This journal provides open access to all of its content on the principle that making research freely available to the…

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Illahee: Bears

In Indigenous cultures, bears play a significant role. For the Haíɫzaqv (Heiltsuk) Nation, bears uphold the laws of their ancestors, helping preserve language, traditions, and values. In the ecosystem, bears help feed the birds, nourish the soil, and sustain the growth of the forest. Illahee means “our lands and our place within them” in Chinook…

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The Clean Economy – Preventing Plastic Waste and Pollution

The Province continues to take action to support the clean economy by preventing plastic waste and pollution. People will not receive items like cutlery and condiments unless they need them and can expect to see options that support a healthier environment and cleaner economy. “We want to ensure people have the best options available to effectively…

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New and Improved Public Spaces and Tourism Experiences

The Government of Canada is making investments across British Columbia to refresh community spaces, attract new visitors, and stimulate local economies Safe and inclusive public spaces and dynamic tourism attractions are key to vibrant communities. They bring together people of all ages and abilities, in turn supporting businesses and boosting economic vitality. Throughout the East…

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Regulations Urged for Short-term Rentals

The Union of B.C. Municipalities (UBCM) has made 13 requests of the province to consider in order to establish a regulatory framework for the short-term accommodations industry, similar to those in place for ride-hailing and other regulated industries.  Read The Report Here

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New Support Programs for Small & Medium-Sized Businesses

BC business recovery grant

Help BC small and medium sized businesses bounce back and build for the future with Government of BC non-repayable grants of up to $30,000 for eligible businesses, and up to $45,000 for eligible tourism businesses. Spread the word and apply at gov.bc.ca/businessrecoverygrant.   For more detail information, click here.    

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Experiential Tourism?

Experiential tourism?

A conversation with Dana Blouin of Between a Lake & a High Place.   Not every rural citizen is a fan of tourism as an economic driver. But most rural folks would agree that the sort of experiential tourism advocated by Dana Blouin and her husband, François — tourism that respectfully celebrates local culture, talent,…

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Between a Lake and a High Place

Experiential tourism operations are popping up all over rural BC, taking full advantage of the province’s varied — and spectacular — terrain, its rich cultural resources, and the hunger among jaded city dwellers to experience “something unique.” This article by Gina Begin, originally posted on kootenayrockies.com, describes a small, rural BC company that takes the word “experiential” quite…

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Experiential, Adventure Tourism in Rural BC

Between wrenching structural changes in the forestry industry, the pine beetle epidemic, and other significant economic and social changes, countless rural BC communities are struggling to reinvent themselves. For many of these communities, tourism seems a viable economic option.   Experiential tourism In this context, in much of rural BC, experiential tourism is of particular…

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