Money raised from B.C. fishing licenses will go directly into a project that will make fishing more accessible.

The Freshwater Fisheries Society of B.C. has committed to donate $25,000 to the a planned nearly 400-foot pier that will provide families and wheelchair-using anglers with better opportunities to enjoy their sport as well as people who only have a short hour for fishing, or who don鈥檛 have access to a boat, an easy way to go fishing.

The society receives 100 per cent of the money raised through the sale of fishing licenses in the province and that money is put back into programs and community projects.

鈥淲e鈥檙e supporting and installing fishing docks around the province, to improve access and reduce barriers to angling, to enable greater participation in the sport,鈥� said Andrew Wilson, president, Freshwater Fisheries Society of B.C. 鈥淲hen anglers purchase a freshwater fishing license, they help us invest in infrastructure projects such as this one.鈥�

The society鈥檚 gift brings the funding raised so far for the Peachland pier project to about $175,000, about 40 per cent of what鈥檚 needed to complete the pier.

The Peachland Pier Group is spearheading the creation of a landmark pier in Peachland.

鈥淲e鈥檙e extremely grateful to the society for this significant gift, which will sponsor one of nine projecting bays that the pier will feature,鈥� said Eldon Kerbes, president of the Peachland Pier Group.

鈥淭his is going to be a truly wonderful public amenity, not only for the residents of Peachland, but for people from throughout the region,鈥� he added. 鈥淚t will be a destination for fishermen, nature and history enthusiasts, a place for families with children and grandchildren, and an accessible retreat for people with mobility challenges, such as some of our elderly residents, and people who rely on walkers and wheelchairs. It should also be an attraction for tourists.鈥�

The new pier will also serve as a heritage site for the region, with interpretive plaques that tell some of the many stories that encompass the heritage of the Okanagan Valley, as well as smaller plaques that honor families鈥� loved ones, and community leaders. Discussions are underway with other potential major sponsors, but Kerbes encourages everyone to consider a donation.

鈥淕ifts in all amounts are welcome,鈥� he emphasized. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a wonderful chance to attach your name, the name of a relative, or the name of your society or business to what will be a well-used and much loved landmark.鈥�

Anyone wanting to contribute, or learn more about the project, should visit project鈥檚 web site at .