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VANCOUVER -- The Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of Natural Resources, today announced $5 million in funding for the Britannia Project. This funding will contribute to the goal of turning the Britannia mine site into a mining innovation and interpretive centre for Canadians.
The Britannia Project will bring together industry, governments and the community to demonstrate best environmental practices in the mining industry and to showcase Canadian research, innovation and expertise. It will also increase tourism in the area and celebrate the past, present and future of mining in British Columbia.
“Our Government is pleased to help make the Britannia Project a reality for the people of British Columbia,” said Minister Lunn. “The former mine site will be a tribute to the contribution of mining to Canada when the world comes to the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Vancouver and Whistler.”
“The Britannia Project is another example of how Canada’s New Government is stimulating economic growth for the region, which will lead to new tourism and employment opportunities,” said the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Western Economic Diversification. “It will also provide residents and visitors with an opportunity to learn about the technology, expertise and innovation of B.C.’s mining industry.”
The Britannia Project will transform the existing mine site, which is on the Sea-to-Sky Highway linking Vancouver to Whistler, into a world-class visitor attraction. It will highlight the contribution of mining in B.C. while educating the public about mining’s economic and social benefits. In B.C., mining and mineral processing is a $6-billion industry employing 28,000 people. By the end of the decade, it is expected that new mining projects will have resulted in an additional $4 billion in investment and the creation of 3,000 new jobs.
The funding will be delivered through Western Economic Diversification Canada to the Britannia Beach Historical Society to be used by the Britannia Development Corporation (BDC). The BDC was formed in November 2004 to manage, administer and lead the infrastructure development of the Britannia Project on land made available by the Britannia Beach Historical Society.
This funding announcement highlights the Government’s commitment to the responsible development of our natural resources — delivering real change and real results for Canadians.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
Gary Lunn, Minister of Natural Resources, announced funding of $5 million today for the Britannia Project. The Project will turn the Britannia mine site, north of Vancouver, into an innovation and interpretive centre for Canada’s mining industry.
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Kathleen Olson
Acting Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
Natural Resources Canada
Ottawa
613-996-2007
Bernee Bolton
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Western Economic Diversification Canada
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Cell: 604-506-6616
Web site: www.wd.gc.ca
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