Burns Lake, BC – Efforts continue to revitalize the community of Burns Lake, still struggling in the aftermath of last January’s deadly mill explosion.

The Babine Forest Products sawmill was the town’s largest employer and, although Hampton Affiliates announced earlier this fall that it intends to rebuild the mill, the provincial government continues to work with municipal officials and local First Nations leaders on ways to diversify the local economy.

Today, the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism, and Skills Training is sponsoring a workshop for local government and First Nations officials on strategic planning and business development policies aimed at attracting new investment and supporting existing ventures.  The day-long session will be faciliated by the Economic Development Association of BC.  It starts at 10am at the Vineyard Fellowship Church on Highway 16W in Burns Lake.

Last week, the government hosted a Jobs Fair in the community with more than 20 businesses, post-secondary institutes, industry associations, and training authorities in attendance.

JTST Ministry officials say the province has accelerated more than $17.4-million dollars in investments into the Burns Lake region in support of job creation and community recovery, since last January’s mill accident.