Rural community economic development opportunities have been strengthened in the Clearwater area with the further expansion of FrontCounter BC services to include select Crown land and water authorizations, Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Minister Steve Thomson announced today.

This expansion of service is part of government's commitment to provide services to meet local client needs. Client services are available Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed for lunch) at the FrontCounter BC Clearwater Office located at 687 Yellowhead South Highway.

The office also has a Community Access Terminal that enables clients to access other government services on-line such as BCeID applications and Mineral Titles on-line.

The Clearwater office also houses Wildfire Management Branch staff, BC Timber Sales Staff, Conservation Officer Service and other staff from the Ministries of Transportation and Environment. The office functions as an integrated natural resource centre. This allows Clearwater and area residents to receive information they need without having to travel to Kamloops.

Quotes:

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

"The whole idea of FrontCounter BC is to maintain a regional focus while having a one stop shop. This service expansion is the logical next step for the residents of Clearwater. It will be easier for natural resource clients to get the permits they need."

Minister of Health and Kamloops-North Thompson MLA Terry Lake -

"I am happy to see continued expansion of Front Counter BC services in Clearwater following the work we did with the community to establish the office a few years ago. It means more local services to support this vibrant and growing 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, 2007, over 58,900 authorizations have been processed
• The FrontCounter BC contact centre handles more than 25,000 inquiries annually.

Learn More:

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

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

Media Contact:

Media Relations
Ministry of Forests, Lands, and Natural Resource Operations
250 356-5261