BIG NORTH B1
BIG NORTH FREE PRESS - MAY 2013
MAY 2013
Big North
B Section
FREE PRESS
De Ly nd a PILON/ Fre e Pre s s
Mackenzie Mayor Stephanie Killam announces the line up for the Resources North conference in June.
All eyes to be on resources in June DELYNDA PILON newsroom@pgfreepress.com
A conference taking an overall look at land management will be hosted by the Resources North Association June 19 and 20. Stephanie Killam, mayor of Mackenzie and chair of the association made the announcement recently, adding organizers hope the conference will become an annual event. She said the idea is find synergies in overlaying aspects of projects utilizing the same land base. For example, a mining operation might be developing in a particular area where a forestry company is opening up an area. Rather than develop both projects independently there may be things that can be done one time, like putting in
a single shared road. This would demand less from the land. “This is absolutely critical in today’s venue,” Killam said. She pointed out the billions in development expected in northern B.C., from mining and energy projects to an increase in lumber as the market rebounds. She added the point of the initial conference is to begin a conversation on the subject, one that needs to continue, she added. Discussing how these projects will impact the environment, the economy, as well as social and cultural aspects of communities is important so the land base is impacted to the least degree possible. “The perfect time to begin an ongoing conversation is at this conference,” she said.
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Looking at best practices, success stories, lessons learned, what’s working in other areas and First Nations concerns is important. She said the conference will provide a forum for the conversation. “Decision making is happening in silos,” Melanie Karjala, RNA general manager, agreed. “We want to see a more encompassing approach to avoid cumulative affects.” She added the association crosses sectorial boundaries, with members representing a multitude of stakeholders, so the conference is a good fit for them. “Here’s an opportunity to measure what’s happening so we don’t overuse the land base,” Killam sail. She added she would like to see the conference become an annual event.
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