WHEREAS the Council of the District of Tumbler Ridge is concerned about timber harvesting and silviculture activities in the Peace River area of the Province of British Columbia; AND WHEREAS it is appreciated that there is interest in the Peace River area, and that timber harvesting and subsequent silviculture activities and the subsequent production wells do support local communities and provide an increased level of economic activity AND WHEREAS local governments would appreciate the opportunity to meet with forestry company representatives to hear of their plans inside local government areas, so that information can be obtained as to how local governments can best plan to facilitate the increased employment activities and any increases in housing, medical and recreation uses that increased employment may bring: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Union of BC Municipalities request that the Minister of Forests and Range direct forest companies to consult with the local government of applicable jurisdiction, so that the level of increasing economic activity can be ascertained and considered with regard to future community and regional developments.
Ministry of Forests and Range We have no legal mechanism to require licensees to talk to local government leaders. An approach whereby the provincial government legally required parties to communicate would be viewed as intrusive and heavy-handed. It is our experience that most forest companies want to have a good relationship with community leaders in the towns where the majority of their employees are residents. We encourage communities to keep the lines of communication open with their local forest licensees. In informal discussions with forest licensees, the minister may ask licensees to keep the communities informed of business plans, but it is also incumbent on community leaders to cultivate a relationship with major local employers.