Natural resource developers in the Nechako area will have easier access to government services.
FrontCounter BC officially opened a pair of new offices in Vanderhoof and Fort St. James on Wednesday.
FrontCounter BC provides a single location for natural resource sector clients to access 16 different government agencies.
"Our government is putting families first by supporting economic development in the Nechako," Nechako Lakes MLA John Rustad said in a written statement. "Resource development is vital to our regional economy - it creates jobs for families. "
FrontCounter BC now has 23 offices in the province - including Prince George and 12 other locations in northern B.C. The program was created in 2005 with eight locations.
"The District of Vanderhoof is very pleased that FrontCounter BC services are coming to our community," Vanderhoof Mayor Gerry Thiessen said in a written statement. "Having this service in our community will ensure that residents and business operators will have improved access to a broader range of ministries, which will ultimately result in more efficient and expedient decision-making."
FrontCounter BC offers access to over 130 natural resource-related permits and authorizations at a single location. Since 2005, FrontCounter BC offices and the provincial call centre have processed over 38,000 authorizations.
"I think it's an incredibly positive thing that services will be offered to our community in a single place," Fort St. James Mayor Sandra Harwood said in a written release. "Residents will be able to access natural resource sector expertise in one location. Fort St. James is very fortunate to have this happen in our community."
