Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Quesnel applauds Nazko First Nation Economic Plan

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

An exciting economic development proposal from the Nazko First Nation is being wholeheartedly supported and applauded by Quesnel City Council. The proposed Nazko Gateway Project calls for the expansion of three-phase power, creating a westward gateway designed to spur significant long-term economic development and business investments throughout the Nazko, Quesnel and the Cariboo Regional District.

Quesnel City Council and the Quesnel Community and Economic Development Corporation Board have officially endorsed the vision expressed in the Nazko Gateway Project. Both bodies have also joined with the Cariboo Regional District Board to support the Nazko First Nation in their efforts.

"We are pleased to be working together with the City of Quesnel and the CRD on this important initiative", said Nazko First Nation Chief Delores Alec. "The provision of this single piece of critical infrastructure, supported by government and all stakeholders, will allow the timely implementation of a string of massive and rapid developments that would benefit everyone and secure a sustainable economic future for us all."

"This type of partnership and co-operation with First Nations is critical to the future sustainability of Quesnel and the North Cariboo," added Mayor Mary Sjostrom. "On behalf of City Council, I congratulate the Nazko First Nation for their forward thinking, leadership and motivation in launching such an ambitious endeavour."

"This plan is a significant move towards diversifying the economy in the region," said Quesnel Community and Economic Development Corporation Board Chair Tony Bensted. "We've worked on multiple projects that would have benefitted greatly from a three-phase power extension. It represents a very positive step in our efforts to attract investment."

Nazko First Nation, in partnership with Quesnel City Council and the Cariboo Regional District Board are now working together on the Nazko Gateway Project to lobby for Provincial support of the extension of three-phase power, westwards to the Nazko Valley.
The start-up investment and long-term operations of the projects identified in the plan would inject billions of dollars into the economy and generate thousands of long-term, well-paying jobs, directly and indirectly, for many years.

For more information, please contact:

Matt Wood, Communications Supervisor         Mike McGee, Executive Director
Phone: 250-991-7475                                         Nazko First Nation
E-mail: mwood@quesnel.ca                                Phone: 250-992-9085
                                                                               Email: mike.mcgee@nazkoband.ca

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