The Burns Lake area will benefit from the construction of a performance shelter and two studies that will analyze land use and application of innovative technology, thanks to an investment by the Government of Canada, through Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD).

Federal funding of more than $412,000, was announced today by Dick Harris, Member of Parliament for Cariboo-Prince George, on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, President of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification, the Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of Natural Resources.

“Investing in diversification initiatives is an investment in the quality of life for the residents of Burns Lake,” said MP Harris. “We want to ensure the local economy continues to adjust and thrive in the face of the Mountain Pine Beetle infestation.”  

"The projects announced today are examples of how the Government of Canada is addressing the needs of communities affected by the Mountain Pine Beetle infestation," said Minister Lunn. "Through this support, our government is helping impacted communities turn challenges into economic opportunities."

Funding of $165,470 will help the Corporation of the Village of Burns Lake construct a performance stage within the “Spirit” Square at Nourse Community Park.  The stage will include a log structure, roof system, stage storage, concrete floor, lighting and sound. This project will help to create local employment opportunities, and assist Burns Lake to diversify its economy and reduce reliance on the forestry sector. 

"Our newly developed Burns Lake Spirit Square will be the “heart” of our community," said Mayor Bernice Magee for the Village of Burns Lake. "The

Mountain Pine Beetle Program – Community Economic Diversification Initiative (CEDI) contribution towards our newly developed Square will assist Burns Lake in its transition from a forest dependent economy to a diversified economy, ensuring community sustainability."

The Regional District of Bulkley – Nechako will receive $132,000 to complete a region-wide Industrial Land Use Identification Study. This study will involve the analysis of zoning and land use designation data, the identification of industrial trends and future development opportunities.

In addition, the District will receive $115,000 to study the feasibility of innovative technology to convert multiple forms of waste into energy. In particular, the study will examine how to support the operation of large-scale greenhouses through the utilization of heat generated by waste.

“This partnership with Western Economic Diversification allows the Regional District of Bulkley – Nechako to move forward with feasibility studies which could foster the diversification of our Region,” said Eileen Benedict, Chair of the Regional District of Bulkley – Nechako.  “These studies will provide the information needed to ensure success with present and future business ventures and will ultimately result in the continued vibrancy of our Region.”

Managed by WD, Community Economic Diversifaction Initiative (CEDI) will invest more than $33 million over two years towards projects in communities most at risk from the Mountain Pine Beetle infestation. The program supports a wide range of projects that further economic growth, job creation and future community sustainability.

The CEDI program is part of the Government of Canada’s $200 million comprehensive response to mitigate the short- and long-term effects of the Mountain Pine Beetle infestation on B.C.’s forestry sector. This federal Mountain Pine Beetle Program is led by Natural Resources Canada, in collaboration with WD and Transport Canada.

WD is a department of the Government of Canada that works in partnership with the provinces, industry associations and communities to promote the development and diversification of the western economy as well as to represent the interests of the West in national decision-making.

For more information on the federal Mountain Pine Beetle Program, please visit: http://mpb.cfs.nrcan.gc.ca/

For additional information, contact:

Pierre Floréa
Director of Communications
Office of the President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification
Telephone: (613) 943-1838

Tim Palmer
Chief Administrative Officer
Village of Burns Lake
Phone: 250-692-7587

Janine Dougall
Director of Environmental Services
Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako
Phone: 250-692-3195