Dick Harris, Member of Parliament for Cariboo – Prince George, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced funding of $678,500 today, towards six projects for the Quesnel area, a region which has been impacted by the Mountain Pine Beetle infestation. Funding is provided under the Community Economic Diversification Initiative (CEDI), a component of the federal Mountain Pine Beetle Program.

“Our Government is committed to strengthening communities affected by the Mountain Pine Beetle infestation,” said MP Harris. “These investments will support the development of new businesses, city venues and agricultural diversification opportunities designed to strengthen Quesnel’s economy.” 

The Quesnel Community Economic Development Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of the City of Quesnel, will receive an investment of $623,500 to support five projects including: the building of a bulk-water filling station; improving the “Old Time” farmer’s market site; and increasing marketing activities and developing plans for a convention and multicultural centre. These activities will support Quesnel in diversifying its economy beyond its reliance on the forest industry, which will help sustain economic growth and prosperity for the Cariboo region.

“This funding will help us continue to develop and diversify our local economy while also creating facilities that attract and retain a skilled workforce, retirees and new residents,” said Mayor Mary Sjostrom. “On behalf of Council, I thank the Board and staff from the Quesnel Community Economic Development Corporation for their good work. We’re committed to working together for the long-term interests of our community.”

The second investment of $55,000 is for the Cariboo Ski-Touring Club for the upgrade of the Hallis Lake Cross Country Ski Venue. The Club will install indoor plumbing, improve the biathlon range and trail, develop the staging area and trail lighting as well as produce marketing materials to attract hopeful Olympic teams.

“The completion of this project will ensure that Quesnel and District have a first class recreation facility that will attract visitors, new residents and retain retirees,” said Brian Black, Vice President, Cariboo Ski Touring Club. “It will also increase tourism year round due to out of town participation of the many uses of the venue besides cross country skiing and biathlon.”

Managed by Western Economic Diversification Canada, 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 Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) and Transport Canada.

Western Economic Diversification Canada in partnership with the provinces, industry associations, and communities promotes the development and diversification of the western economy, coordinates federal economic activities in the West and represents the interests of western Canadians 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:

Donna Howes
Communications Manager, British Columbia
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Telephone:  604-666-1318
Cell: 604-505-6616

Matt Wood
Communications Supervisor, City of Quesnel
Telephone:  250-991-7475

Brian Black
Vice President, Cariboo Ski Touring Club
Telephone:  250-747-1026