McBride Working Towards ‘Rejuvenation’
Prince George, B.C.- It has been a little over two weeks since the BKB Cedar Manufacturing Mill in McBride went up in flames and the community continues to rally in an effort to recover.
Councillor Rick Thompson told his colleagues on the Board of Directors for the Regional District of Fraser Fort George the blaze was not only devastating to the owners of the company, but caused the loss of 35 plus jobs in the Robson Valley.
Still, Thompson says the community is working together “We have an excellent transition team at the moment, consisting of Provincial representatives, Regional District representatives and other service providers , the Red Cross to mention on. The employees are being looked after as best they can at this difficult time” says Thompson. He adds the employees still have a long road ahead “The difficulty will come in couple of months when they find out their pay cheques aren’t there.”
Thompson says McBride and the Robson Valley are trying to move forward “Our goal is to get the mill rebuilt and get our residents re-employed and get more diversity in the Robson Valley and McBride and to rejuvenate McBride.”
Comments
Mining, there has to be something that is worth something in all those mountains. That is if we really truly want these people to have long term employment.
“there has to be something that is worth something in all those mountains”. Yes there is, the McBride/Valemount area is a backcountry tourist mecca. Backcountry sledders, skiers, climbers, hikers & at least 3 different heli-ski operations contribute heartily to the local economies. This area, while well known to those who frequent it, is probably one of BC’s best kept secrets. While the more affluent flock to areas quite well south, they are missing out on some truly magnificent areas. Hopefully the new Valemount expansion will bring some long overdue exposure to this gem of an area.
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