Robson Valley Economic Opportunities Explored at Special Forum Today
Monday, January 16, 2012 @ 3:58 AM
Valemount, B.C.- The Barriere-McBride regional economic development pilot project forum is set for today in Valemount.
Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation, Pat Bell, says the forum will include representatives from local government, business, industry, First Nations and education. “It’s clear from a variety of indicators that the northern regions of B.C. are going to be serious economic drivers for the province” says Bell, “We want to make sure that every community has a chance to maximize its potential and take advantage of the BC Jobs Plan. This forum will be our time to engage the folks that live in these communities and discover how we are going to drive investment and create jobs throughout the Barriere – McBride region.”
McBride Mayor Mike Frazier has his own idea of a first step that would open the doors for investment “We have lost out in numerous projects because of the lack of reliable electricity. If I had my way, and I am not speaking for others who will take part in the forum, I would have the hydro lines upgraded from Kamloops to Valemount, and from there all along highway 16 to Dome Creek.”
Frazier says it is his opinion that before any economic development plan could be put in place, there has to be adequate, accessible power, and such is not the case right now.
Today’s session is the second in a planned 4 community stop. The first saw more than 100 participants take part in a session focused on the area of Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge and Mission . The next session is set for Campbell River on January 30th. The fourth, as yet to be announced session, will be with a First Nation community.
Comments
The Robson Valley would have a better economic outlook if the communities there could repatriate the rights to cut Crown timber that are held by corporate entities in Prince George.
The mills that used to operate in the valley weren’t viable, but selling the cutting rights to the PG company can’t be consistent with a long term economic strategy for the valley or for other communities in similar situations.
The community forests held by McBride and Valemount help, but the manufacturing jobs are gone.
CL
having worked in mcrbride area for a few years, it was very apparent that most people living there do not want any development. They would like to keep it the way it is and resent any outside development. Its too bad because its a beautiful area with tons of potential. But until those short sighted individuals either die or move, it will never be developed to its potential.
“having worked in mcrbride area for a few years, it was very apparent that most people living there do not want any development.”
This kind of thinking is not unique to McBride.
That’ what High Speed Universities is all about, to further the education of students. They need more than a high school degree today, they need at least 2 years of college, preferrably 4, and then we’re going to work with communities so they can grow economically and create more jobs for our young people
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