Winter has arrived in the north but that doesn’t mean business is slowing down.
The rate of activity in rural B.C. couldn’t be more evident than along the stretch of highway that extends from Terrace to Iskut, where construction workers, contractors and major industry are hard at work building the Northwest Transmission Line.
As detailed in this month’s issue of Building a Stronger North, the $561 million project is having major economic impacts on northwest B.C.
Not only has the power line project created new business opportunities for local service and supply companies, but also it’s driving major new mining and clean energy investment in a part of the province that’s resource rich but has lacked a major source of electrical power until now.
But this month’s issue is about more than just power lines.
Inside you’ll find out how Asian demand has breathed new life into a Terrace sawmill that’s sat idle for several years. In Prince George, the local economic development corporation is spearheading a campaign to find local suppliers who could benefit from shipping perishable goods through the airport to Asia. Fort St. James’ community foundation is also gaining momentum to establish an endowment to support local projects in perpetuity. If you happen to be in the Cariboo this winter, check out the Hallis Lake nordic ski club near Quesnel where a new groomer is perfecting local trails.
And don’t forget to check out our website for a brand new video slideshow about beautiful Mackenzie.
Click here to read the December 2012 edition of Northern Development’s Building a Stronger North.
Happy Holidays!
About Northern Development                                                                                                                      Â
Northern Development Initiative Trust is an independent regional economic development corporation focused on stimulating economic growth and job creation in central and northern British Columbia.
- To date, $111 million in funding has been committed to 1,043 projects in communities throughout central and northern British Columbia.
- 5,154 jobs have been created.
- Funding has been partnered with 1,831 organizations, attracting more than $1 billion in new investment.
- 73% of investments are in small communities with populations less than 5,000.
- $199 million has been invested in new capital and employee training by supported companies.
- More than 3,000 grant writers have been trained to date, 274 hired by communities including 124 by First Nations since 2007.
For information on Northern Development and the community economic development projects being led in communities throughout central and northern British Columbia, visit: http://www.northerndevelopment.bc.ca.
