Residents in the Nicola Valley will now find it even easier to get personalized help with their natural resource inquiries, thanks to the opening of a brand-new FrontCounter BC office in Merritt.

The Merritt location is the third FrontCounter BC office to open this year, and the 15th since January 2011. The expansion of the FrontCounter BC program is a key part of the Province's integrated approach to the natural resource sector and will provide residents and businesses in the Nicola Valley a local office to conduct their natural resource business.

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

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, 3840 Airport Rd., Merritt: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bcgovphotos/6987478861/

Quotes:

Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Steve Thomson -

"Opening this new office in Merritt is great news for the Nicola Valley. The BC Jobs Plan commits to enhancing business access for all British Columbians, and FrontCounter BC is one way this government is meeting that goal."

Mayor Susan Roline of

"I think it's great that services will be offered to our community in a single place. Now with FrontCounter BC right in Merritt, residents and businesses will be able to access natural resource sector expertise in one location."

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:

For an audio clip of Thomson commenting on the new FrontCounter BC office: http://soundcloud.com/bcgov/minister-thomson

The 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:

Vivian Thomas
Communications Manager
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 356-2475