Three community transition teams continue to meet in the South Cariboo to discuss opportunities, explore potential areas of collaboration and take action on ways to support the communities of 100 Mile House, Clinton and surrounding areas. The teams have been meeting monthly since they were established in July 2019 after the mill closure announcements. Each team focuses on a different component of support for the communities’ transition: worker transition, community support and economic development. These teams bring together multiple organizations, local governments, various provincial ministries, the major employers, union representatives, service providers and others to address the impacts of the forest industry changes.
The following are some highlights from the teams’ recent efforts and some opportunities for residents and businesses to note.
Highlights:
• Several businesses took part in a recent workshop hosted by Community Futures about pivoting-your business. The focus was on strategic ways to reposition your business during challenging times. The participants gained beneficial information and practical insights to apply to their business models. Visit cfdccariboo.com for upcoming training opportunities.
• The 100 Mile House Community Forest is working on a number of fuel treatment blocks, helping to keep several forestry crews employed with various projects.
• Horton Ventures and Community Futures Cariboo Chilcotin held a Self-Employment Forum at the end of August. The attendees were equipped with a “Business Start-up Package”. Community
Futures put on the following workshops – “Is Self-Employment for Me?”, “How to do a Business Plan” and “Business Loans 101”.
• The Ministry of Forest Lands and Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development (MFLNRORD), 100 Mile House Natural Resource District office hosted a contractor session in August. The purpose of this session was to provide information to the contracting community about upcoming projects, where to find bidding opportunities, modifications to their small scale salvage program and multiple resources for small business support. The event was well-attended and the organizers are hoping to host another session soon.
• The District of 100 Mile House and the Village of Clinton have recently hosted several interested candidates through the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP). The visits were very positive,
and District and Village staff continue to follow up with the candidates to support their interest in moving and setting up businesses in the area. The BC PNP program is a way for foreign
entrepreneurs to gain permanent residency in B.C. It is an avenue for the District and Village to attract new investment in the region, which will generate new employment.
• Two fast-charging electric vehicle (EV) stations are being installed in the District of 100 Mile House in December. Additional Level 2 charging stations are planned through the Charge North program. District staff are working to capitalize on using this opportunity to bring EV tourism into the area. There are also charging stations up and running in Clinton and 70 Mile House.
Opportunities of Note:
• Shop local this holiday season to support our local businesses and keep your dollars in your community. Visit www.love100milehouse.com for a growing list of the businesses in the area.
• Contractors are reminded to watch BC Bid for local contracting opportunities. Some recent local contracts have not had any bids. Visit: www.bcbid.gov.bc.ca
• Businesses looking to hire consultants to help sustain their business during the economic downturn in the forestry industry are encouraged to apply for Northern Development Initiative Trust’s Forestry Affected Business Consulting Rebate program. Learn more about the program: www.northerndevelopment.bc.ca/funding-programs/business-development/forestry-affectedbusiness-consulting-rebate/
• Want to put your business on the map? Contact the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association for support developing your Google listing. They also provide a variety of other supports and
programs for tourism-related businesses. Visit: http://industry.landwithoutlimits.com/services/
The District of 100 Mile House thanks all its partners for the collaborative work taking place to support the South Cariboo through this transition period. The participants in the three community transition tables include:
• Worker Transition – WorkBC, Service Canada, Norbord, West Fraser, Union Representatives, School District 27, Ministry of Social Development and Advanced Education and Skills Training, and MFLNRORD
• Community Supports – Community Mental Health, Interior Health and the Cariboo Family Enrichment Centre, MFLNORD
• Economic Development – District of 100 Mile House, Village of Clinton, Cariboo Regional District, Community Futures Cariboo Chilcotin, MFLNRORD, Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association, Northern Development Initiative Trust and the South Cariboo Chamber of Commerce.
For further information, contact:
Joanne Doddridge
250-395-2434
jdoddridge@100milehouse.com
