Government of Canada Invests in Cariboo - Chilcotin Region

News Release

August 17, 2009
Williams 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 six projects in the Cariboo – Chilcotin region.

" Our Government is taking action to assist communities that have been impacted by the mountain pine beetle infestation, " said Mr. Harris. " Today's investments will create new opportunities, support economic diversification, and promote long-term prosperity. "

The six projects announced today range from a study of biomass energy opportunities to the development of tourism marketing strategies and economic development plans. 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.

Total federal funding of $800,040 is being provided by Western Economic Diversification 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
Telephone: (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 17, 2009, the Government of Canada announced funding of $800,040 towards six projects located throughout the Cariboo – Chilcotin region of British Columbia.

Tsilqot'in National Government (TNG): Three Projects

A contribution of $337,760 will help the TNG undertake a comprehensive feasibility study for a 60 mega-watt biomass combined heat and power plant on their territory. If feasible, the power plant would be a significant economic infrastructure investment, attracting other economic spin-off activities to the region.
An investment of $244,000 will provide training and business support in silviculture contracting for six First Nations groups. The field of silviculture has many applications, primarily in the management of forest timber, wildlife, water and recreation. Beyond economic opportunities, the field of silviculture also ensures the health and productivity of local forested eco-systems.
Funding of $24,960 will help to develop an oil and gas policy, and undertake a series of consultative meetings with the Stewardship council and local community. Funding will enable TNG communities to better guide and work with the oil and gas industry on mutually beneficial economic projects.

Williams Lake Indian Band

A contribution of $108,900 will help the Band create an economic plan and become ISO certified. The plan will enable the Band to meet the needs of the community's rapidly expanding economic development opportunities, and capitalize on developing designated lands for commercial use. The plan will also include human resources and capacity building activities such as a mentoring and training program for members of the community. Gaining ISO certification will allow the band to attract additional investors and bring increased opportunities for economic development to the region.

Carrier Chilcotin Tribal Council

With an investment of $43,470 the Council will carry out a market study of the Nuxalk-Carrier and Mackenzie Heritage Grease Trail to identify new tourism opportunities. Through this initiative, the Tribal Council will develop the strategic tools to increase tourism activity on the trail and gain a greater understanding of what visitors want in a wilderness vacation experience. The trail is located in the remote Cariboo Chilcotin Coast region of British Columbia, at the mouth of the Blackwater River, running through the Sir Alexander Mackenzie Provincial Park into the Dean Channel. It is made up of highways, forest access roads, local wagon roads, rivers and coastal waters.

Yunesit'in Indian Band

With an investment of $40,950 the Band will establish a traditional village, encouraging more visitors to tour the area and experience the Stone Indian Band's cultural heritage. The village will consist of a replica pit house, a pow wow arbour and a facility to host traditional meals for tourists, as well as educational workshops.

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Government of Canada Invests in Cariboo - Chilcotin Region

News Release

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