News

St’át’imc Awarded Provincial Grant to Build Hotel, Boosting Lillooet Economy and Tourism

April 21, 2025 – Lillooet, British Columbia – In a significant step for local economic development
and First Nations business, St’át’imc has been awarded a provincial grant to develop a new hotel in
Lillooet.

The hotel project, a collaborative initiative between the Xaxli’p and Ts’kw’aylaxw First Nations,
is being supported by the Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program (REDIP). This
provincial program is designed to foster economic diversification, enhance community resilience,
support clean growth initiatives, and advance infrastructure development in rural areas. The REDIP
grant will contribute to both the planning and construction phases of a commercial hotel in
Lillooet, with the opening anticipated in 2027.

The hotel will bring key benefits to Lillooet and St’át’imc communities, including:

  • Job Creation: providing employment opportunities during construction and long-term hotel
    operations will include management, hospitality, maintenance, and food services.
  • Economic Growth: Increasing visitor traffic will support nearby restaurants, retail stores,
    service providers and cultural tourism, driving broader economic activity.
  • Infrastructure Investment: the Hotel will support the revitalization of downtown Lillooet and
    encourage future investment in transportation, services, and amenities.
  • Support community: Expanding local lodging options will support events, celebrations, meetings,
    and tournaments, bringing the community together.

Bobby Watkinson, councillor for Xaxli’p stated, “the hotel is more than a business opportunity—it’s
an important investment in St’át’imc entrepreneurship and an opportunity to create jobs for our
members and the broader community.”

Chief Justin Kane of Ts’kw’aylaxw adds: “We are proud of this visionary project. The hotel will
bring lasting benefits not just to our communities but to surrounding communities, visitors to
Lillooet, and existing businesses. We are excited to build local partnerships.”

The hotel development team is committed to keeping the residents informed about next steps of the
project, including construction and employment opportunities. More information is expected to be
released over the next two months.

Media Contact for Hotel Project:
Andrew Mercer
General Manager, Xaxlip Development Corporation 1.250.256.4800
xdcgm@xaxlip.ca

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