Quesnel Plans Post Beetle Economy

By 250 News

    
Faced with the prospect that 43% of their economy is based on the forest sector, the City of Quesnel (through its Economic Development Corporation) is seeking ways to offset the impact of  a reduced forest sector in post  beetle B.C.

At a public discussion meeting in Quesnel, a report on planning for the future was up for discussion with key stake holders in that City. The strategy, according to a new report, is to help Quesnel come through the transition stronger then ever.

The report says 3000 new jobs are possible under the job creation potential based on currently proposed projects, existing firms with expansion potential, new firms based on global trends, and quality of life improvements.

The community is seeking expansion in these areas:

• Agriculture 165 jobs,  75 in greenhouses, 40 in small lot farms producing specialty products, 30 jobs beef expansion and 20 jobs in value added processing.
• The forest industry is expected to create 630 jobs, 350 from the oriented strand board plant, 150 secondary manufacturing (industrial scale) custom fine furniture 50, silviculture 30 agro forestry and non timber forest products.
• Green firms, 85 new jobs, 50 renewable energy, 20 energy efficiency, 10 commercial composting, 5 recycling. Minerals 650 + jobs, 300 coal and related resources, 200 metals, 100 Nazko water plant , 24 industrial minerals, 25 lava rock , and oil and gas. 
• Quality of life is expected to create 1345 new jobs, 1000 retirees, 200 business immigrants, 100 health care and seniors’ services, 25 post secondary education 20 civic amenities (new arena, theatre etc)
• Tourism & transportation 195 jobs accommodations 75, products and services 75, retail 25, transportation (non-tourism)

The report says that Quesnel is facing an unprecedented economic change, and while large mineral or petroleum projects may create many jobs in the future; the community has little control over such developments. "Without discounting large resource projects, we need to focus on things that we can largely control, such as quality of life." says the report.

The report concludes the plan will require considerable public and private financing and a political will that will create "out of the box" thinking.

The strategy assumes that federal and provincial governments are serious in their commitments to provide substantial funds to assist communities like Quesnel in the face of the mountain pine beetle challenge.

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