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| Original News Release |
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| Original News Release |
This project allows the Upper Similkameen Indian Band to undertake the first feasibility and safety stabilizations of a major tourism development at the historic Mascot Mine in Hedley, B.C. The mine is located 5,000 feet above Hedley. Over time, the mine buildings have deteriorated but are now being restored to preserve the heritage of the unique location and the manner in which they’re attached to the steep mountainside.
Already, stairway and railing reconstruction has been carried out to make the mine site safe for visitors. Environmental and archaeological assessments have also been completed using this funding. This sets the stage for site planning, architectural concept design, civil engineering, financial analysis and a communication program to be undertaken by the band.
A 10,000-square-foot interpretive building focusing on resource extraction themes and First Nations is also planned for the staging site in Hedley.
It’s
anticipated the Mascot Mine project will take three years to complete with a
total budget of
INDUSTRIAL PARK INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT; $80,000 Funding will support the development of core infrastructure at the Upper Similkameen Indian Band’s value-added industrial park, three miles south of Princeton. This park is the location of a log sort operation and could eventually house a value-added plant.
Development of the value-added industrial park is expected to lead to eight new jobs and create two new businesses.
COGENERATION PARTNERSHIP; $45,000 This project will allow the Upper Similkameen Indian Band to determine the viability of a cogeneration plant using wood waste from the planned value-added plant and other activities. The funding also allows the First Nation to pursue a partnership for the plant.
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