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VICTORIA – Recommendations from a review of the Port Alberni forest sector are aimed at diversifying Port Alberni’s economy, Forests and Range Minister Rich Coleman announced today.
“Consultants have assessed Port Alberni’s economic situation and have proposed ways that Port Alberni can shape its future,” said Coleman. “I look forward to discussing the recommendations and receiving feedback from Port Alberni stakeholders.”
The minister committed to a review in response to concerns about the long-term viability of the Port Alberni forest economy. The report by Macauley & Associates Consulting Inc. notes that Port Alberni did not receive the same benefit from government’s 2003 forest policy changes as other parts of the province. It contains 19 recommendations to diversify the Alberni Valley’s economy, including marketing the area as a retirement destination and enhancing local recreation opportunities and tourism potential.
The recommendations are directed at provincial government agencies, the Private Managed Forest Land Council, the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District, and the City of Port Alberni.
In preparing the report, the consultants held 50 meetings with a broad range of stakeholders, including representatives from the City of Port Alberni, local First Nations, the Save Our Valley Alliance and the Truck Loggers Association. Macauley & Associates will be holding meetings in Port Alberni next week to discuss their recommendations with those contributing stakeholders.
A copy of the report can be downloaded from www.for.gov.bc.ca/dsi/.
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Public Affairs Officer Ministry of Forests and Range 250 387-4592 |
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