Residents in the Fraser Valley will now find it even easier to access government services with the official opening of a brand-new FrontCounter BC office in Chilliwack.

The Chilliwack location is the first FrontCounter BC office to open this year, and the 13th since January 2011. It is a key part of the Province's integrated approach to the natural resource sector and will provide residents and businesses in the Fraser Valley a local office to conduct their natural resource business. In addition to the opening, FrontCounter BC's call centre is expanding, with three new permanent agents in the Chilliwack, Castlegar and 100 Mile House offices.

The opening further supports the 'Canada Starts Here: BC Jobs Plan' by providing easier access to government services that will help to enable quicker job creation and support regional economic development in the natural resource sectors.

(flickr.com)

FrontCounter BC is a single-window service for clients of the natural resource sector. FrontCounter BC was created in 2005 with eight locations, a dedicated call centre and online applications.

FrontCounter BC, 46360 Airport Road, Chilliwack, BC

Quotes:

Mayor of Chilliwack Sharon Gaetz -

"Chilliwack is really growing these days. We needed an office like FrontCounter BC to help attract resource business and support backcountry recreation."

"Having FrontCounter BC here will make it easier to build a strong future for our community."

Quick Facts:

• FrontCounter BC offers more than 130 natural resource-related permits and authorizations at each location.
• FrontCounter BC provides services on behalf of 16 additional partner agencies.
• Since Jan. 1, 2005, over 47,000 authorizations have been processed.
• The FrontCounter BC call centre handles more than 21,400 inquiries annually.

Learn More:

BC Jobs Plan: http://www.bcjobsplan.ca/

Find a FrontCounter near you: http://www.frontcounterbc.gov.bc.ca/contact/locations.html

FrontCounter BC: http://www.frontcounterbc.gov.bc.ca/

Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations: http://www.gov.bc.ca/for/index.html

Contact:

Brennan Clarke
Public Affairs Officer
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250-356-5261