The Canada North Resources Expo kicked off Friday, May 23 for its sixth biannual event at the CN Centre, drawing more than 1,000 visitors eager to learn about industry, construction, mining and related sectors.
The event continues Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The CN Centre’s parking lot featured 60 booths displaying heavy machinery, industrial equipment, farming tools and emerging technologies.
Inside, the venue hosted 120 booths showcasing everything from innovative construction methods and tools to drone technology built for field use.
Among the featured exhibitors were Tailgate Toolkit, a resource designed to support construction and trades workers facing addiction and mental health challenges; Skyline Models, creators of life-like industrial and construction vehicle models crafted from wood sheets using CAD programming; and DCbright LED Lighting, which develops construction and mining lights capable of operating in extreme conditions, including underwater.
Several booths highlighted how the construction sector is evolving alongside technology.
One such exhibitor, Stinson Aerial Services, showcased a specialized DJI Flycart 30 payload drone.
“We're in the proof-of-concept stage right now,” said Tim Stinson, owner of Stinson Aerial Services. “We're flying tree planting boxes for warehouses out of Princeton on the activator road systems. We're working with the Canada Emergency Responders Robotics Association of Ontario and DRDC, Avalanche Mitigation Systems, and this year we’ll be writing the paperwork and testing for detonators and for carrying explosives.”
Stinson company is flying these tree-planting boxes for Weyerhaeuser an American timberland company and is being employed by Quastuco Silviculture.
The company also contributes to wildfire mitigation efforts and currently has a crew stationed in Fort Nelson assisting with wildfire surveying and suppression.
Another tech-forward exhibitor was Breathlogic Alcohol Breathalyzer, presented by Bennings Health Service. The company demonstrated portable breathalyzers that allow for on-site worker testing without disrupting workflows, with results sent instantly to employers.
Also on display were virtual reality headsets with onboard AI based on drug recognition expert criteria, capable of detecting impairment through eye movement tracking.
“It’s often the case that a supervisor suspects an employee is impaired — hung over, or affected by drugs or alcohol — but testing interrupts the workday,” said Tom Yearwood, president of Denning Health Group. “On-site testing and screening like this saves both time and money.”
Mark Cusack, national show manager, told The Citizen that events like this are vital to the city of Prince George.
“It’s important just for perspective on the resource side of things,” said Cusack. “This show is every two years, and there’s so much new equipment in different fields — mining, forestry, road building —s o it keeps contractors informed about the latest technology.”
He also emphasized the networking opportunities expos provide.
“These dealers are looking for contractors,” Cusack said. “When contractors arrive, it’s usually in groups — they’ve got matching jackets and hats. They're not only visiting their current suppliers but also scouting for new partnerships. The dealers are doing the same — looking for new customers.”
Among those attending was Prince George-North Cariboo MLA Sheldon Clare, who said he was drawn to the expo by the potential he sees in BC’s resource sectors.
“I see a lot of people who want to get shovels in the ground and get to work,” said Clare. “They see a lot of opportunities and want to make sure those opportunities are coming from the government. There’s hope — but also concern — that more needs to happen.”
Clare said he was also encouraged by how different industries support one another and embrace innovation.
“They show that we have viable industries across a range of sectors, with support elements that back up both primary and secondary industries. It’s heartening to see the kind of innovations Canadians are creating to support them.”
