The provincial government has brought in experts to help develop a tourism strategy and other economic development plans for the embattled community of Burns Lake, according to Jobs, Tourism and Innovation Minister Pat Bell.
Tourism B.C. director of partnership marketing Peter Harrison has been tapped to develop a tourism strategy to attract new visitors and investment to Burns Lake, Bell said.
"He has prepared a hundred-plus tourism strategies," Bell said. "It will focus on the aboriginal tourism sector. There are a couple market-ready tourism opportunities that are not well advertised at this point. I think it can drive some short-term economic activity."
The village, 226 km west of Prince George, was devastated on Jan. 20 when an explosion and fire destroyed the Babine Forest Products saw mill, which employed 240 people in the village of 3,600 people. The fire killed two workers, injured 19 others and left many others in Burns Lake wondering about their future.
According to information released by Hampton Affiliates, the parent company of Babine Forest Products, one injured employee remained in hospital as of Friday. The 18 others had returned home, but some continue to receive outpatient care.
A job fair held in Burns Lake on Feb. 10 has resulted in approximately 40 workers finding new employment, Bell said.
Thompson Creek Metal's Endako Mine, located near Fraser Lake, was the largest employer - hiring 17 workers. Canfor has made 14 job offers for its various forestry operations and Sheraton Holding Ltd. hired five workers for the start up of its sawmilling operation in Burns Lake.
"All 43 salaried [Babine Forest Products] employees are still employed on site," Bell added. "Our discussions with Hampton are ultimately toward a rebuild. The question is the mid-term timber supply."
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations staff continue to meet with Hampton to resolve timber supply issues, Bell said.
An agreement has also been brokered between Hampton, the provincial government and Pinnacle Pellet to ensure a short-term timber supply for Pinnacle's Burns Lake wood pellet plant, he added.
The agreement will meet Pinnacle's immediate wood supply need, but the province is working with local First Nations groups to develop a longer-term supply of wood for the pellet plant, Bell said.
"First Nations are eager to activate their bioenergy [forest] licenses," Bell said.
Bell said other initiatives happening in Burns Lake include marketing several former gas station sites for new development, examining infrastructure projects in the area which could be accelerated to create jobs, and silviculture programs.
"We're not in a position to announce the specific dollar amounts now," Bell said. "But I do intend to support these marketing initiatives with financial resources."
Burns Lake Mayor Luke Strimbold could not be reached for comment as of press time.
