Provincial Grant Supports Development of Salishan Place

On February 25, 2021, the BC Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport announced that the Township of Langley will receive $711,354 in Community Economic Recovery Infrastructure Program (CERIP) funding for its new arts, culture, and heritage facility, Salishan Place by the River.

This facility is being developed in Fort Langley, in partnership with Kwantlen First Nation, and in collaboration with Katzie, Matsqui, and Semiahmoo First Nations, on whose traditional territories the Township was established, the Waceya Métis Society, and the Lower Fraser Valley Aboriginal Society. Representatives from these communities and organizations are currently visioning exhibitions and programs for the community and Indigenous galleries at Salishan.

This funding, awarded under the Destination Development stream of CERIP, supports economic resilience, tourism, heritage, and urban and rural economic development projects in communities impacted by COVID-19. Fort Langley has been greatly affected by the pandemic, resulting in the reduction, cancellation, and/or postponement of many events and festivals, and reduced operational capacities of many local businesses.

Destination Development funds will assist in outfitting the third floor convention centre amenities at Salishan, including a 167-seat theatre, a reception/banquet hall with commercial kitchen, and a rooftop outdoor gathering space. These enhancements will encourage year round activities, such as festivals, arts and craft fairs, music and theatre performances, and lectures, drawing people to the community and allowing Fort Langley to rebound.

The Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport is distributing $20 Million in infrastructure funding to 54 tourism related projects in BC. Learn more.