Federal Government Invests in Bulkley Valley Area Communities

News Release

August 18, 2009
Fraser Lake, British Columbia

Today, Dick Harris, Member of Parliament for Cariboo – Prince George, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced federal support for several projects that will benefit the Bulkley Valley regional economy.

“Our Government is working to strengthen communities affected by the Mountain Pine Beetle infestation,” said Mr. Harris. “These strategic investments will support tourism projects, training programs and economic diversification opportunities in the Bulkley Valley, building a stronger foundation for future growth and prosperity.”

The five projects announced today range from the development of an industrial park, agricultural training and employment programs, to revitalizing areas affected by the mountain pine beetle. While different in scope, these projects all have one common goal – to strengthen, diversify and ensure the long-term resilience of the local economy and to ensure that individuals and families are able to thrive in the region.

Federal funding of $3,996,585 is provided by Western Economic Diversification (WD), under the Community Economic Diversification Initiative (CEDI), a component of the federal Mountain Pine Beetle program.

For more information on the federal Mountain Pine Beetle program, please visit: http://mpb.cfs.nrcan.gc.ca/.

For more information on Canada’s Economic Action Plan, please visit: http://www.actionplan.gc.ca/.

For additional information, contact:

Donna Howes
Communications Manager, British Columbia
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Tel: (604) 666-1318
Cell: (604) 505-6616

WD Toll-Free Number:1 888 338-WEST (9378)
Teletypewriter (TTY): 1 877 303-3388
Website: WD is online at www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
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Backgrounder

On August 18, 2009, the Government of Canada announced funding of $3,996,585 towards five projects located throughout the Skeena – Bulkley Valley region of British Columbia.

Village of Fraser Lake

Contribution of $1,794,485 to develop and build an industrial park in Fraser Lake to attract businesses and encourage investment in the community.
The Village of Fraser Lake will construct a 30 acre industrial park comprised of 12 commercial and 10 industrial land sites within the municipal limits. The sites will be fully serviced, including road access, water, electricity, gas and sewers.

Fort St. James Chamber of Commerce and The District of Fort St. James

Investment of $1,447,500 to revitalize of the Fort St. James downtown core.
The Fort St. James Chamber of Commerce and the District of Fort St. James will implement a two-phase downtown revitalization project. Phase One involves conducting a study to design, plan, market, advertise and budget a downtown revitalization. The study will analyze opportunities to further complement Parks Canada's successful Fort St. James museum and provide a historic theme to the downtown core. Phase Two is the implementation of the study’s recommendations.
The downtown revitalization is designed to make a significant contribution to the Fort St. James area through increased recognition as a tourism destination, improved viability of existing tourism operations, attraction of new tourism investment and increased the contribution of tourism to the local economy.

Upper Skeena Development Centre Society

Contribution of $380,000 toward the establishment of an Agricultural Resource Centre to deliver training and employment programs.
The Upper Skeena Development Centre Society will establish an agriculture training and resource facility in Hazelton, British Columbia. The Senden Sustainable Agriculture Resource Centre will provide training and resources in various production and processing methods related to seasonal greenhouse production, vegetable and fruit processing, environmental management and organic farming and gardening. This contribution will support the purchase of farming equipment, landscaping and leasehold improvements to the existing farmhouse and installation of a fresh water well.

Cheslatta Carrier Nation

Investment of $239,600 to enable the Cheslatta Carrier Nation to investigate the potential for submerged timber to become value-added timber products.
The Band will conduct research and development on the physical and chemical properties of submerged wood from Ootsa Lake (Nechako Reservoir) to determine what new, value-added products might generate additional economic diversification opportunities. The project, based in Southbank B.C., includes purchase and processing costs, design of a competitive harvesting system, market/product research and development costs, costs to prepare a marketing/business plan and website, the purchase/erection of a pilot-project dry-kiln kit & chamber and storage building.

District of Fort St. James

Investment of $135,000 to expand the District of Fort St. James’ Visitor Information Centre to enhance and promote tourism in the community.
Funding will allow the Centre to expand the main floor space by 580 square feet. The additional space will be used to display local artist’s work, tourism brochures and marketing material. With this new facility, the Centre will be able to serve more tourists and, in turn, will help to greatly expand the local tourism industry.
The Centre will increase tourism to the region by 30 per cent and an annual economic impact of $300,000 per year.

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Federal Government Invests in Bulkley Valley Area Communities

News Release

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