Minister Told Of Importance Of Cariboo Connector

Thursday, September 11, 2008 08:51 PM

Williams Lake - The Minister of Community Development has been told that the population of the Chilcotin is showing steady decreases because of the effects of the Mountain Pine, one of the hardest hit areas in the province. The Strong Regions Report was presented to Blair Lekstrom, the newly appointed Minister of Community Development by the Chair of the Cariboo Regional District Jon Wolbers. The report says working age people are the largest group leaving the area.

During the meeting, the importance of the Cariboo Connector improvements along with the Quesnel Bypass, Refuse Derived Fuel projects, legislative changes needed for fair and equitable taxation, and the CRD’s desire to diversify revenue streams were discussed with the Minister. Other topics discussed included the importance of the mining industry and its future in the Cariboo Chilcotin, the ailing Forest Industry Sector and the impacts on community sustainability and development.

“This meeting was extremely important for the Cariboo Chilcotin and I am encouraged by Minister Lekstrom’s advice and direction,” stated CRD Chair Jon Wolbers. “Hailing from Dawson Creek and the Peace River Regional District, Minister Lekstrom has a solid understanding of the challenges that face the Interior of British Columbia. He indicated that he is committed to working with the Regional District and its municipal members. I sincerely look forward to working with the Minister and his team to bring some of these projects to fruition.”

The CRD also profiled some of the key community development projects planned for the Highway 20 corridor from Bella Coola to Williams Lake. Discussion highlights included the importance of the Tsilhqot’in National Government Power Project at Hanceville and Pristine Power Project at Anahim, and the development of the Alexis Creek Information Centre. The CRD voiced the importance of the Prosperity Mine development, as all communities in the Chilcotin are in need of economic development.

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