A family-operated charter business on the Central Coast will receive $99,999 in federal funding to expand its operations in Bella Bella.
YuWala Marine Charters, owned and operated by Frank Brown of the Heiltsuk Nation, is using the funds to cover adding a six-passenger boat, motor, trailer, signage and advertising.
“We received a 50 per cent matching funding contribution to expand and diversify our ecotourism venture,” Brown said.
Grateful for the support, Brown noted during COVID tourism was non-existent and coming out of COVID tourism has been slow.
Receiving the funding support gives him some hope for meaningful employment and economic opportunities, he added.
“We are interested in being a safe reliable Central Coast marine transportation service provider,” he said, adding they are also keen to work with other tourism operators in the region.
Brown grew up in Bella Bella and knows the area well.
The funding comes from the PacifiCan Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan).
Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and responsible for PacifiCan announced seven projects were receiving funding through the Tourism Relief Fund.
YuWala means wind in the Heiltsuk language.
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