Prosperity Decision

I was certainly caught off guard today, as were many, when the Federal Environment Minister announced in the House of Commons that Prosperity Mine would not proceed, at least not as it has been proposed. It is disappointing for many in our community who were looking forward to the opportunities associated with the mine. As frustrating as the decision is to the project's supporters, we must keep in mind that life will go on and that we shouldn't let this decision rule our future. At the same time I received the e-mail announcing the Federal Cabinet's decision, I received a media release from Tolko announcing two recently signed agreements with China National Building Materials, the country’s number one lumber distributor, to supply more than 364 million board feet of lumber for China's growing construction needs. The province also announced last month that the Cariboo Chilcotin Beetle Action Committee would receive $1 million per year for three years to support economic transition and development in the region. These are good stories that adds a degree of certainty for our local forest industry.

As a resident stated in a letter to the editor today, the City needs to establish a more focused strategy for economic development. I am pleased to say that we have been moving in this direction over the past few months. At the request of Council, our Economic Development Manager is increasing focus on specific business development initiatives such a potential District Heating project in the downtown core, a Community Forest application, assisting with the development of properties adjacent to Wal Mart and creating a development strategy for lands at the Airport. All of which will create new jobs, increase our tax base and expand opportunities for our existing businesses and industry.

Today, the Mayor confirmed the City's support for Taseko Mines as they consider the future of the Prosperity project and there is optimism that acceptable solutions can be found to allow the mine to proceed. In the meantime, the City will agressively pursue and support new economic opportunities to help ensure a strong stable future for our community.