The Whispering Pines/Clinton Indian Band is receiving new funding for their tourism plan.
The band, located just north of Clinton, is getting around $96,000 from the Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program (REDIP), for phase two of their Cultural and Recreational Tourism Accommodation Development Plan.
The REDIP is a funding grant that was launched by the Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation that supports projects that promote economic diversification, resilience, clean growth opportunities and infrastructure development, according to the provincial government.
Phase one of the tourism plan was completed a year ago - and was a feasibility study on rodeo grounds which focused on “the most cost-effective location to develop recreational facilities and accommodations that would attract visitors/tourists to the North Thompson Valley” for events according to a press release issued by the band.
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It also included a summary of previous field investigations, site selection analysis, concept planning of tourism accommodation site, market assessment, conceptual engineering for water, on-site roadways, road access, stormwater/drainage and sewer, and finally a LiDAR, an active remote sensing technology used to map the Earth’s surface. The release noted that the LiDAR was needed because the band is located on a floodplain.
Phase two of the plan will focus on the project “undertaking a development plan for a tourism venue that will include various accommodation types” such as “RV, campground, yurts, cabins.”
In addition, the phase will also involve the band conducting a geotechnical assessment, a topographic survey, infrastructure/building designs, and an infrastructure design report, according to the press release.
Ed LeBourdais, the Kukpi7 (Chief) of Whispering Pines/Clinton Indian Band, says that the funding is a kind gesture to the band.
“We feel that it’s a huge help. It helps us build what we’ve already started. Not only does it create jobs for band members, but it also creates jobs in town through to all our engineers that work with us within the band.” LeBourdais explained. In addition, he noted that the band also provides the funding.
“Whispering Pines, like any band right now, we do contribute a significant amount of money towards this stuff, along with the funding we’re getting from certain programs that government funding, and whatever we can get it from.”
LeBourdais stated in the press release that tourism is important to the Whispering Pines/Clinton Indian Band.
“Our members made it clear in 2021 [via the Comprehensive Community Plan] that the top priority of the community was expanding the tourism opportunities presented by the area’s natural beauty,” LeBourdais remarked in the press release.
“We see a real economic opportunity to provide more accommodation options to visitors in the North Thompson Valley.” he further noted in the press release.
In addition, LeBourdais is announcing that the Whispering Pines/Clinton Indian Band will be holding a grand opening of their new office in Clinton next month.
The office is located on Le Bourdais Avenue and has undergone renovations after being acquired by the band. The opening is planned for June 21, to coincide with National Indigenous Peoples Day.
