BC’s new push to fast-track mining projects represents more than just an industry shift. It’s an opportunity for Prince George to claim a leadership role in the province’s economic future.
As the province accelerates 18 critical mineral and energy projects, worth a combined $20 billion, communities like ours — already connected to northern infrastructure and rich in skilled labour — are poised to benefit in new ways.
With billions of dollars in mining and energy projects lined up and permit-granting processes being streamlined, our city could become a significant hub for mining operations, transportation and supply chain logistics. These projects will require transportation, equipment, housing, repair services, retail support, and workforce accommodations.
That sounds like Prince George.
We have the rail lines. We have the trucking routes. We have the proximity to major project sites such as Blackwater Gold and Cariboo Gold. We have the proven ability to host work crews on a large scale. We can be the logistical and service backbone for new mining operations.
This could mean thousands of new jobs, a diversified economy and a reinvigorated tax base. Hospitality, automotive, and retail sectors would thrive. So would education and trades training institutions as the next generation gears up to support BC’s resource economy. Prince George, if proactive, could be at the centre of it all.
But none of this can happen without political will, especially at the local level.
Our current council and mayor have a narrow window — less than 16 months — before the next municipal election.
It is a short period for them to engage directly with the opportunities the mining sector could offer us by prioritizing mining support and infrastructure expansion at the provincial and federal level.
This is also a call to First Nations leaders and representatives: your voices must be central in shaping not only how these projects move forward, but how the benefits are shared.
With Indigenous consultation now a formal requirement in the new permitting system, First Nations are positioned to be long-term partners and shareholders in these developments — not just stakeholders. That’s going to require capacity building, resources, and a say in governance structures.
But there’s more. Even the most ambitious municipal strategy won’t be enough if the provincial government doesn’t fix the bottlenecks holding back the mining sector.
If our leaders fail to act now, we risk watching investment, jobs, and prosperity pass us by in favour of communities better prepared to attract and accommodate industrial growth.
Energy supply is the biggest looming crisis. Site C alone won’t power 20-plus new mega-mines. We need significant investment in energy generation, in addition to the alternative energy solutions being proposed, to make these projects viable. Otherwise, we’re promoting an industry that won’t be able to turn on the lights.
BC Hydro is touting its new North Coast Transmission Line project, which will see expanded high-voltage lines running west from Prince George being built starting next year. This is a key infrastructure piece, but without significant additional power generation feeding them, those lines won’t be able to meet new heavy industrial needs.
And while we welcome permit-granting reform, it will have to come with clarity and certainty. Investors and Indigenous communities are asking for predictable, respectful processes, not bureaucratic confusion or rushed policy.
This is a test. Let’s not fail it.
If we get this right, we could be part of a generational economic transformation. If we fail to act, others will seize the opportunity.
It’s time for our city, our leaders, and our province to work together — to build the infrastructure, engage meaningfully with Indigenous partners, and ensure this mining resurgence includes Prince George.
