The B.C. government welcomed the news that Hampton Affiliates Ltd. is committed to rebuilding its Babine Forest Products mill in Burns Lake.

There will be an economic development and investment readiness workshop for local government and First Nations officials in Burns Lake.

Since the Babine Forest Products mill accident in January, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training Pat Bell and ministry staff have been working with local MLA John Rustad, municipal leaders, First Nations Chiefs, and union and industry representatives to help the community recover.

Three qualified teams have been shortlisted to participate in the Request for Proposals (RFP) phase of the competitive selection process to design and build the Lakes District Hospital and Health Centre Replacement project.

As part of ongoing community rebuilding effort, the Province is providing $2.4 million to expand a recreation centre in Burns Lake that will create jobs and support healthy family activities.

Through effective collaboration and the strong commitment of all parties involved, the recovery of Burns Lake is well underway.

The Province is investing $14.3 million in 14 different highway infrastructure improvements in the Nechako Lakes region, to improve safety for local residents and commercial drivers.

Over the next few weeks, staff from the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation will begin to consult and work directly with a team of community leaders and tourism stakeholders from Burns Lake on tourism planning to strengthen economic opportunities for the area.