At the recent Canal Flats council meeting at the Columbia Discovery Centre on Tuesday, February 10th, there was a presentation given by Canadian Forest Industries Ltd. (CFI) on the inherent reasons for recent layoffs, which were attributed to a shortage of timber.
“They assured us that they will do everything they can to absorb all of the affected employees in one of their other operations in B.C.,” Mayor Ute Juras told The Valley Echo. “There was a lot of discussion, as you can imagine there are a lot of questions and a lot of uncertainty.”
After informing all in attendance that in addition to Canfor stepping in to help those affected, CFI disclosed the province has also agreed to lend a hand.
“The Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training has put together a Community Transitions Team to which the Village has been invited,” said Juras.
The layoffs could cause the displacement of some residents.
“This will potentially force some of our residents to relocate at a time when the Village is trying to retain and attract residents to help our economy and keep the doors of our school open,” said Juras.
Canal Flats community profiles
The CBT Modification Agreement — Attraction Tool Grant was received by the Columbia Basin Trust to create two community profiles, including both business and residential.
“Instead of hiring a contractor to do this work, we asked if the planner we hired last fall could include this in his report to us. He confirmed that he could; however, due to him falling a bit behind because of some some health issues we had to ask CBT to extend the deadline until May 2015,” said Ms. Juras.
For council resolution or action
On the Economic Development Advisory Committee appointments, council refrained from appointing anyone at the present time until a final report is received from the planner and contractor for the upcoming Village branding initiatives.
The 20-Year Capital Plan was adopted and will be implemented as a tool for council in making essential budget planning decisions and grant applications.