Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) is providing
$25 million under the CEAI to encourage sustainable
economic development and diversification in B.C’s coastal
communities through its partners, the 13 coastal Community
Futures Development Corporations (CFDCs).

@ The $14.9 million in funds invested to date Uuly 2000)
have leveraged more than $37 million in additional private,
federal and provincial investments, and have allowed some
$50 million in job-creation projects to go ahead.

@ CEAI investments in B.C’s coastal communities to date
have created full and part-time employment for 990 people and an additional
660 indirect jobs, such as in construction.

@ Over two-thirds of the CEAI funding approved has benefited small
communities especially hard hit by the changes in the fishery.

@ Funding for the CEAI was increased in 2000. The program will end on
March 31, 2001.

@ The CEAI Steering Committee made investments in Aboriginal and non-
Aboriginal communities for projects such as:

Bi Pike Island Development Project: Metlakatla Development
Corporation. Create a destination heritage site in a semi-isolated
northern community that will combine a First Nations archaeological site
and a modern cultural and eco-tourism development.

@ Cormorant Island Wood Processing: Alert Bay. A Workers’ co-operative
wood value-added processing plant will produce components for toy
manufacturing and other users of small wood components.

@ Harbour Quay Marina: Port Alberni. Construction of a marina to
accommodate 165 recreational vessels. The marina will create 17 new
permanent jobs and generate revenue which will lead to long-term
benefits and sustainable development.

@ Delkatla Wildlife Sanctuary Interpretive Centre: Masset. Design and
build a Nature Centre that will contain a natural history display of
indigenous species, a small natural history library, geographic displays
denoting changes to the wetland habitat, and a small research base for
visiting scientists. The Delkatla Wildlife Sanctuary is a 290 hectare
intertidal estuary.

@ Millennium Waterfront Walkway Project: Prince Rupert. Build a 525
metre-long seawall walkway to connect two separate portions of Prince
Rupert's waterfront into one pedestrian traffic area. The waterfront
walkway will act as focal point for funneling tourists and residents into
Cow Bay, the waterfront park and historical railway restoration display.

@ Hesquiaht First Nation Harbour Development Project. Modernize and
expand the Hesquiaht First Nation’s wharf facilities to provide adequate
services for existing and prospective businesses in the immediate area.

@ Bamfield Community Abalone Project. Research and develop
technology that can be applied by coastal communities to establish an
Abalone aquaculture industry, particularly in the Bamfield/Anacla area.
Through a comprehensive training module, the information can be
transferred to communities and First Nation groups along the coast. The
Abalone project is a joint venture representing over 15 Aboriginal and
non-Aboriginal communities.