Private-sector proponents of converting the old Rustad sawmill into a trades training school showcased the site to representatives of the College of New Caledonia (CNC) and the B.C. Institute of Technology (BCIT) last week.
"It was an opportunity for them to see the size and scale of the site, which was great," said Canfor spokesperson Christine Kennedy.
The tour on Friday was followed with a conference call that included representatives from Northwest and Northern Lights community colleges in which a partnership between the schools and the private-sector supporters was discussed.
"We really wanted to clarify that the programs we're looking at having there would be totally incremental to the existing capacity of CNC and other institutions in the North," Kennedy said. "We're looking for new capacity in Prince George."
It was the first meeting with the schools in Prince George. One had been held in Vancouver.
"For us and for many employers in the North, we're struggling to fill, in some places, really good jobs," Kennedy said. "We think that as more mine projects come on board, more energy projects, there is going to be more competition for skilled tradespeople, and we need to really focus our attention on making sure we've got rapid and creative solutions to work on that shortage."
Kennedy said she will be meeting with provincial government officials this week to outline the proposal. Another meeting with the colleges will be held probably in three or four weeks.
Canfor and BID Group are seeking $10 million from the provincial government - a matching contribution equal to the value of the land and buildings at the site, which was closed permanently as a sawmill in early December.
Director of Communications and Development for CNC Randall Heidt called the proposal exciting, but also noted its very early in the planning stages with plenty more work to be done. The proponents are hoping to see classes begin by next January. Heidt did not rule that out as a possibility but also called the timeline "very aggressive and very difficult to make."
Heidt also warned that CNC is facing a $2.3-million operating shortfall and without additional support from the province or the other players, will lack the resources to look at the project closely.
BCIT's construction school dean Rod Goy also said there is plenty more work to be done.
"Really early stages but kind of an exciting project," he said.
