Mackenzie and Fort St. James Partner To Assess Community Connector Road to Stimulate Economic Growth

In 2008, District of Mackenzie received a $60,000 grant from Northern Development through the Feasibility Studies program towards this $11,344,000 project. This has been a funding partnership of District of Mackenzie, Northern Development, Community Economic Diversification Initiative, District of Fort St. James, Government of Canada, Mackenzie Green Energy Inc., McLeod Lake Indian Band, and Province of British Columbia

2012- The overall objective of Fort St. James and Mackenzie Community Connector project is to upgrade an existing resource road between the two communities to a standard double-lane road that can be safely utilized year-round between Mackenzie and Fort St. James. The upgraded road is anticipated to benefit many sectors and projects including tourism, alternative energy, mining and forestry and therefore contribute to both communities’ sustainability.

The upgraded connector road will allow the region to maximize recovery from the Mountain Pine Beetle epidemic by providing better access to resources  between Fort St. James and Mackenzie, including improved access and safety for the Mt. Milligan Copper/Gold Mine that was planned for development when this project was undertaken (and has since proceeded with construction and is utilizing the improved connector road) .

Improved road access will provide safe, efficient, year round movement of resources, industrial traffic, and general trade and commerce between the two communities. It will also enhance safe access to economic and employment opportunities in the area. This project is a key ingredient to increasing the diversification of both communities and is encouraging collaboration between the communities to strengthen the attractiveness and marketability of the area for tourism and further resource developments.

"Not only is this is a major project that will bring immediate good quality stimulus jobs to both these communities at a time when there is a high need for jobs, but it also will help build long-term regional economic development once the project is complete."

Honourable Pat Bell, Minister of Forests and MLA for Prince George-Mackenzie

"This connector road is great news for Mackenzie and will offer tremendous economic potential to the region at a time when it is needed most."

Honourable Jay Hill, MP for Prince George-Peace River

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Positive Economic Impacts in Mackenzie & Fort St. James

The feasibility study of the Fort St. James-Mackenzie Connector, which was financially supported by Northern Development, has shown that the highway will be economically beneficial for both communities and the region. It was critical to developing the major infrastructure funding proposal to the Province of British Columbia and the Government of Canada to secure the capital funding that is now making the connector project a reality.

The upgraded connector road was determined to strategically benefit the future development of the Mt. Milligan mining project by Thompson Creek Metals (then Terrane Metals). The gold-copper open pit mining complex site is 96 kilometres west of Mackenzie and 92 kilometres north of Fort St. James. The mine project was estimated to cost $917 million to deliver and had an initial anticipated life of twenty two years. The company predicted the construction work force for the mine in the area would peak at 700 people.

Feasibility Studies

The Feasibility Studies is no longer available. Please visit the Capital Investment Analysis program page

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Forest Regeneration Work Establishes UNBC Connector Trail In Prince George

The construction of the University of Northern British Columbia Connector Trail System created a total of forty person months of employment in 2009 and 2010. Through additional phases of this project that were funded by the Job Opportunities and Job Creation Programs, unemployed forest workers were hired to expand recreational…

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