Executive Director of the Prince George Chamber of Commerce
Hello and Hadih. Welcome to the inaugural issue of Chamber Connector, the Prince George Chamber of Commerce’s 2025 member directory.
Inside, you’ll find information about the Chamber and its member services, what we’ve been up to, what’s ahead, some stories about the local and regional business climate, and finally the member directory.
This magazine supports the Chamber’s vision “to be the trusted business pillar, fostering a culture of inclusivity, innovation and prosperity without our communities,” as well as our mission “to elevate our members through meaningful connections, education, and advocacy.”
As stated in our 2024 Strategic Plan, our main goals behind all of our work is to connect businesses and business people to one another, advocate on behalf of business needs, and work collaboratively with other Chambers and business organizations. In light of those main goals, we’re specifically focussed on three main areas: crime prevention and community safety, political engagement, and worker recruitment and retention.
On the crime prevention and community safety file, the Chamber co-ordinated a meeting earlier this year with Terry Yung, the Minister of State for Community Safety and Integrated Services, in partnership with Downtown Prince George, which included businesses around the community, not just downtown. The Chamber has joined the provincial Save Our Streets Coalition and is working with our local MLAs on a community safety forum on September 4 at the Ramada. Later this fall, the Chamber will be sending a letter to mayor and council on suggested spending and safety priorities heading into their final budget before the October 2026 local elections.
As for political engagement, the Chamber offers its annual leadership breakfast series, sponsored by Coastal GasLink/TC Energy, where the mayor, the MLAs, MPs, and other community leaders provide annual updates on their work to our members. The MLA and MP updates were in July and August, Geoff Ritchie, the new CEO of the Prince George Airport, will speak on October 3, while Mayor Simon Yu is scheduled to address the Chamber on November 20.
Earlier this year, the Chamber worked in collaboration with the City of Prince George’s intergovernmental affairs committee on joint policy resolutions to the North Central Local Government Association and the B.C. Chamber of Commerce. Jerrilyn Kirk, Fraser Fort George Regional District director and manager of the Tumbler Ridge Chamber of Commerce, and I made a
presentation at this past spring’s NCLGA conference, urging local governments across the region to work more closely with their local chambers to speak as a unified community voice when urging action from the provincial government. This work contributed to all six of the Prince George Chamber’s policy resolutions being ratified at the B.C. Chamber AGM in June. Finally, the Prince George Chamber will be taking part with other Chambers in a B.C. Chamber Parliament Hill Day on October 6 in Ottawa, immediately prior to the Canadian Chamber AGM that week in Mississauga.
Lastly, the Chamber has been active sounding the alarm about the challenges facing local and regional businesses on worker recruitment and retention. Last October, the Prince George Chamber partnered with the Chambers in Quesnel, Vanderhoof, and Mackenzie in speaking out against the federal government’s decision to restrict international students finding work after graduation and the harm it’s causing to the regional economy, as well as the College of New Caledonia and the University of Northern B.C. A December community feedback forum on worker recruitment challenges in Prince George that the Chamber hosted in partnership with the Immigrant Employment Council of B.C. led to my appointment as the IECBC’s north-central B.C. representative on its Employer Advisory Group.
All of those efforts for meaningful change continue, even as we showcase our members through initiatives like the Summer Scavenger Hunt and now this magazine. I would like to thank the advertisers for their confidence in the Chamber and this magazine. As part of our contract with DEL Communications of Winnipeg, the producer and distributor of the magazine, the Chamber and its members receive the magazine at no cost, while the Prince George Chamber of Commerce collects a percentage of the advertising sales, a helpful source of revenue. The magazine was printed in Prince George by Chamber member Speedee Printing & Promotional Solutions.
On behalf of the staff (partnership manager Colleen Sparrow, office manager Natasha Edwards, and me) and the board of directors, led by President Kristine Newell, we appreciate all of your efforts to better our city and our region. We look forward to continuing our work with you in the future, to build our communities through business.
Neil Godbout, Executive Director
Event Schedule
Business Excellence Awards Finalist Announcement
September 11 2025 /Knox Performance Centre/11:30AM - 1:30PM
Leadership Breakfast - YXS CEO Geoff Ritchie
October 3 2025 / Ramada / 7:30AM - 9:30AM rd
40th Annual Business Excellence Awards
November 1 2025 /Prince George Civic Centre /6:00PM - 10:00 PM st
Leadership Breakfast with Mayor Simon Yu
November 20 2025 / TBD / 7:30AM - 9:30AM th
Chamber Winter Open House
December 12 2025 / New Office / 2:00PM - 4:00PM th
2026 TrueNorth Business Development Forum
January 19-20 2026 / Coast Hotel by APA th
B2B Expo
March 31- April 1 2026 / Courtyard by Marriott st
Prince George Chamber Annual General Meeting
April 8 2026 / Playhouse th
What is a Leadership Breakfast?
Start your morning with meaningful conversation and connection at our Leadership Breakfast Series. These quarterly events feature a great breakfast, insightful presentations from key community voices—including representatives from government, law enforcement, and local organizations—and valuable networking opportunities.
Proudly sponsored by TC Energy / Coastal GasLink, this series helps keep Prince George informed through direct dialogue with local leaders.
Keep in the Loop
To stay up to date on upcoming events, be sure to regularly check the Chamber Calendar.
Access the Chamber Calendar Here:
39th Annual Business Excellence Awards - Recap
The 39th Annual Business Excellence Awards (BEAs) celebrated outstanding achievements within our community on November 2nd, 2024. It was an evening filled with recognition, inspiration, and gratitude for the businesses and individuals who contribute significantly to Prince George's economic and social landscape.
A sincere thank you to all of our incredible sponsors for your generous support Your contributions make events like the Business Excellence Awards possible and allow us to celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of our local business community.
We’re proud to recognize the support of: Canadian Tire, Prince George Airport Authority, Pine Centre, FortisBC, MNP, KPMG, Pacific Western Brewing, Tourism Prince George, Vitreo Minerals, TC Energy, Canfor, UNBC, Kopar Administration Ltd , Scotiabank, Inspire Productions, Taxwerx, Acres, Linda Rempel from Chambers Plan, and Pacific Coastal Airlines
Your support truly helps shine a spotlight on business excellence in Prince George.
Award Winners:
BIPOC Business of the Year: Nechako Ridge
Denturist Corp
Business of the Year: 3 Goblins Games
Business Person of the Year: Tracey Johnson
Lifetime Achievement Award: Selen Alpay
Excellence in Food and Beverage: Baller Food
Excellence in Environmental Impact: Wall to Wall - Renovate Recycle Restore
Excellence in Entertainment and Attractions: The Exploration Place
Excellence in Business Philanthropy: Canadian Tire
Excellence in Promotion and Marketing: Baller Food
Excellence in Technological Innovation: Acres
Enterprises Ltd
Excellence in Customer Service: Cheeseneeds com
Excellence in Not For Profit and Community Service: Prince George Community Foundation
Event Schedule Included: Presentations from BC Hydro, Chambers Plan, Vitreo Minerals, and Lheidli T’enneh Economic Development Catered lunch and multiple networking breaks
Panel Sessions:
On May 7, 2025, the Prince George Chamber of Commerce hosted the annual TrueNorth Business Development Forum a full-day gathering focused on economic growth, industry collaboration, and regional development.
Acknowledgments:
Panel One: Chamber Live
Panel Two: College of New Caledonia (CNC)
Panel Three: University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC)
Panel Four: Centerra Gold / Mount Milligan
Keynote Presentation: UNBC presented the keynote during the lunch session.
Thank you to House of Ancestors for hosting the event and providing exceptional food and hospitality
A big shoutout to Deklan Corstanje for doing a fantastic job as our emcee your energy kept the day moving smoothly!
Appreciation to all presenters, panelists, and attendees for making the day a success.
And a massive thank you to our generous sponsors for making this event possible:
BC Hydro • Enb ridge • Vitreo • Centerra Gold • UNBC • Inspire Productions • NDIT • Northern Health • CN Rail • TC Energy • Scotiabank • PG
Hospice Society • TD Bank • Sasuchan Development • CNC • EDI • Prince Rupert Port Authority • Edward Jones • Arbios Biotech • Fortis • Rio Tinto • MNP • Canfor
Strengthening Prince George’s Economy in 2025: Challenges, Progress, and Partnership
By Deklan Corstanje, Manager, Economic Development, City of Prince George
As we move through 2025, the economic landscape continues to shift, presenting both challenges and opportunities for the Prince George economy. Businesses are navigating uncertainty, adapting to change, and exploring new technologies. In this environment, the role of local business support agencies is increasingly important, and the City of Prince George remains committed to working alongside our business community.
Global trade tensions and tariff changes continue to affect markets. Tariffs on key goods have disrupted supply chains, raised costs, and created uncertainty that can delay investment. In Prince George, these issues are being felt across all sectors, but particularly in retail, construction, and manufacturing, where rising import costs and sourcing difficulties have impacted margins and slowed growth.
At the same time, there are signs of progress. Through outreach to over 750 local businesses, we’ve heard that many are stable or growing. Half of the businesses we reached expect growth in 2025 and are looking at new markets. Businesses are adopting technology to improve efficiency, address labour shortages, and manage costs. Investments in training and workforce development are helping build long-term capacity. Our local economy continues to diversify, with ongoing investment in energy and mining sectors that are expected to support regional growth.
influence their ability to grow. Regulatory frameworks, workforce availability, and the overall livability of our community are complex issues that require coordinated efforts to improve for our local businesses and residents. We need to review and improve local processes, advocate for change at higher levels of government, and ensure that employers can access the supports they need. Community vibrancy is shaped by many factors, and businesses and residents play a role in maintaining what makes Prince George a good place to live and work.
Economic development in our city is focused on creating conditions where businesses and workers can succeed. Our work includes attracting investment, supporting local businesses, and preparing the workforce for future needs. This work is made possible through partnerships with organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce, Community Futures, Tourism Prince George, Downtown PG, and our post-secondary institutions. Programs like the B2B Expo, the Support PG Business Survey, Move Up Prince George, the Downtown Strategy, and event tourism initiatives are examples of how collaboration helps strengthen our local economy. These efforts aim to improve business visibility, support workforce attraction, and enhance the overall experience of living and working in Prince George.
Locally, businesses have identified several areas that
We also recognize the importance of listening to the business community and adjusting our approach based on what we hear. Feedback from local employers has helped shape our priorities, including the need for more streamlined access to business supports, better
coordination between agencies, and clearer pathways for workforce development. These are areas where we continue to focus our efforts.
Looking ahead, we are cautiously optimistic. Early signs of renewed consumer confidence are emerging, and as global conditions stabilize, we expect investment and growth to follow. However, we also understand that progress will take time and that economic recovery is not uniform across sectors. That’s why we’re committed to ongoing engagement, data-informed decision-making,
and practical support for businesses of all sizes. Prince George has a strong foundation to build on including diverse industries, a skilled workforce, and a community that values collaboration. By working together, we can continue to strengthen our local economy and create opportunities for residents and businesses alike. We remain committed to listening, learning, and improving the supports available to local businesses so that together, we can help our community reach its full potential.
2025 2025 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
We’re proud to introduce the 2025–2026 Board of Directors, a dynamic group of individuals representing a wide range of industries and experiences
Executive Team:
President: Kristine Newell
Vice President, Finance: Nik Tusek
Vice President: Donna Flood
Vice President: Tanner Moulton
Past President: Cathy Mackay
New Directors:
Pardeep Singh Hans
Alison Fuhr
Sydney Redpath
Anjula Benjamin
Clayton Pountney
Returning Directors:
Ron Camp
Kevin Gemmell
Nate McFadyen
Cindi Pohl
Zandra Ross
Members voted in favor of two key bylaw changes:
1 Article 11 01 – Oath of Office
For the first time in the Chamber’s 114-year history, our newly elected Executive and Directors were officially sworn in by the elected Chief of the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation.
This moment symbolizes our deepening partnership and shared commitment to reconciliation, governance excellence, and community-building Thank you, Chief Dolleen Logan, for making history with us.
Kicking things off with momentum! As her first official act as Chamber President, Kristine Newell signed a lease agreement with Community Futures Fraser-Fort George to relocate the Chamber office. This move marks a new chapter bringing us into a collaborative space that better reflects the spirit of partnership, innovation, and accessibility that defines our business community
Stay tuned for updates on our new location and moving plans!
Updated to allow elected directors to take their oath before the Mayor of Prince George and/or the Chief of Lheidli T’enneh First Nation.
2 Article 13 13 – Financial Reporting
Revised to require an annual financial review rather than a formal audit, aligning with our size and capacity while maintaining transparency.
Why YOU should be a Chamber Member
Looking to grow your business, build connections, and boost your visibility in Prince George? The Prince George Chamber of Commerce is your launchpad. With over 500 members, we’re a thriving network of local businesses working together to create real impact. As a member, you’ll gain access to discounted networking events, promotional opportunities, and strong advocacy on the issues that matter to your business.
Members enjoy perks like exclusive services, marketing support through our newsletters, social media, and campaigns, plus access to professional development programs.
Special pricing for events
Social media promotion
Newsletter feature
Human resource services
BC Business Magazine subscription
Chambers Plan group insurance
Newsletter advertising
Member to Member benefits
Enhanced membership directory
Chamber website advertising
Chamber Website Feature
Ability to host a networking event at half price
Check out the perks above, and/ reach out to Colleen Sparrow, our Partnership Manager, at membership@pgchamber.bc.ca to help us help you. Let ’s get down to business—together.
Tourism in Action: Growing Prince George Through Experience and Connection
At Tourism Prince George, we are passionate about our mission: attracting visitors to our city to increase the direct and indirect economic benefits to Prince George and the surrounding Northern Region. To this end, we share a common purpose with the members of the Prince George Chamber of Commerce who work to enhance the quality of life in our community. We too, know that Prince George is more than just a destination; it’s a hub of adventure, culture, and opportunity.
We proudly position Prince George as B.C.’s year-round “Northern Basecamp to Adventure”, a vibrant destination known for its diverse wilderness experiences, urban adventures, and iconic events. In addition to consumer marketing and visitor servicing, we also undertake business development activities in support of Prince George businesses by focusing on attracting events, from major sports tournaments to conferences as well as arts and culture events.
We work directly with our stakeholders to facilitate the development of new and enhanced products and experiences to further develop Prince George as a tourism destination. Recently, Tourism Prince George has launched two exciting destination development projects that highlight what makes our community unique and help to spotlight the variety in Prince George’s business community. These projects will enhance the visitor experience, drive economic growth, and help create a vibrant community for both visitors and residents.
The Self-Guided Farm Tour Experience invites residents and visitors to explore Northern B.C.’s deep connection between land, food, and community. The Farm Tour Experience includes hands-on farm visits, tastings at local breweries, wineries, cideries and juicers, meals at restaurants using local ingredients, cozy stays in ruralstyle accommodations, and visits to vibrant markets and shops.
The Nanguz’An Container Market at Canada Games Plaza is a downtown space for residents and visitors designed to celebrate community, creativity, the arts, entrepreneurs, local spirit, and Northern B.C. pride. The market features five containers positioned around a year-round ice rink featuring unique offerings including locally made artisanal goods, live performances by local artists, and equipment rentals. The intention is to draw residents and
visitors to the plaza area and encourage the exploration of the businesses and restaurants while they are in the downtown area.
We promote Prince George businesses directly by:
• Encouraging exploration is at the heart of what we do. Our Passport Programs and Trails guide locals and visitors through curated experiences from craft beer to historical landmarks, driving foot traffic to local businesses along the way.
• Giving your event visibility and helping you reach a wider audience by providing a public events calendar as the go-to resource for anything happening in Prince George.
• Offering a free online self-paced Tourism Ambassador Program to help you and your employees learn more about Prince George and provide access to regional tools and resources.
• Guiding you in securing venues, accommodations, and local experiences to create an unforgettable event if you are looking to host a meeting or conference in Prince George.
• Assisting with event logistics, sponsorship connections and promotional support for sporting events that help showcase Prince George as a premier sporting event location.
How can we support your business today? Tourism Prince George’s success is measured in part by the success of the member businesses of the Prince George Chamber of Commerce. Please connect with us directly so we can work together to create unforgettable experiences for visitors and locals alike.
Tyler Macsemniuk Photo
Darrin Rigo Photo
Darrin Rigo Photo
Darrin Rigo Photo
6ix sigma Photo
6ix sigma Photo
6ix sigma Photo
Rio Tinto Partners with UNBC and School District 91 to Invest in Education Opportunities for Northern B.C. Youth
Rio Tinto is strengthening its commitment to education in
and School District 91 (Nechako Lakes). With a combined investment of $400,000, the mining company aims to enhance educational access and engagement for youth across the Nechako Watershed region—particularly Indigenous students.
The new funding includes $250,000 over four years to support UNBC’s Active Minds Integrated Youth and Student Engagement Initiative, which will broaden youth programming throughout the region. An additional $150,000 over the next three years will help School District 91 expand longstanding youth engagement programs focused on hands-on, culturally relevant learning.
“This continued investment from Rio Tinto significantly strengthens our ability to provide hands-on, experiential learning opportunities that meaningfully engage students and foster a deeper connection to the land and waterways that surround them,” says Anita McClinton, Superintendent
of SD 91. “By reaching students early – particularly those who may face systemic barriers to post-secondary pathways – we are helping to expand access, inspire curiosity and create new possibilities for their educational and career futures.”
At the core of the initiatives is a focus on culturally safe, science-based programming developed in collaboration with local communities. The goal is to help students explore education and career pathways while gaining skills and confidence to succeed in both higher education and the workforce.
“Education is one of the most powerful tools for positive change. This initiative will help young people, particularly Indigenous youth, build confidence, gain valuable skills, and see themselves as future university students and leaders in their communities,” says Lianne Olson, Senior Advisor Community Social Performance at Rio Tinto. “We’re proud to continue deepening our partnership with UNBC and SD 91 to support youth in the region.”
UNBC Vice-President of Research and Innovation, Dr. Paula Wood-Adams, noted that the initiative aligns with the university’s broader mission to serve northern communities.
“At UNBC, we are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment that reflects the communities we serve,” she says. “The funding support from Rio Tinto will allow us to reach youth early; provide educational opportunities shaped by cultural context and
an event that draws hundreds of students from across SD 91. Hosted by the Nechako White Sturgeon Recovery Initiative, the event symbolizes the region’s commitment to environmental stewardship and intergenerational knowledge-sharing. It is supported by all levels of government, local First Nations, non-profit groups, and Rio Tinto.
This latest initiative builds on a longstanding relationship
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L-R: Saik’uz First Nation Councillor Rodney Teed; Rio Tinto Senior Advisor Community Social Performance Lianne Olson; School District 91 (Nechako Lakes) Superintendent Anita McClinton; UNBC Interim Vice-President Strategy and Outreach Mark Barnes; and District of Vanderhoof Mayor Kevin Moutray.
Prince George’s New Green Engine: Inside the Arbios Renewable Fuel Project
In the heart of Prince George’s industrial landscape, a quiet revolution in renewable biofuels is taking shape. Just west of the Intercontinental Pulp Mill on Prince George Pulp Mill Road, Arbios has built something that could reshape the region’s role in the global low carbon movement.
Arbios’ facility converts wood residues and waste into a renewable bio-oil
with a lower carbon footprint than its fossil alternatives. Their facility is more than a cutting-edge industrial development; it’s a symbol of a circular economy in action, grounded in environmental responsibility, Indigenous partnership, and regional economic opportunity.
A World-Leading Technology, Now in Northern B.C.
At the core of Arbios’ vision is
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Licella’s proprietary Cat-HTR™ (Catalytic Hydrothermal Reactor) technology. Developed over 16 years and first piloted in Australia, Cat-HTR™ converts biomass, such as forest residues, into a bio-oil that can be refined into low-carbon transportation fuels and other valuable bioproducts.
Unlike traditional combustion or fermentation processes, Cat-HTR™ uses water at high temperature and pressure to break down biomass into a flexible, energy-dense liquid. This “bio-oil” can then be upgraded or refined into drop-in fuels that are compatible with today’s infrastructure and long-haul fleets; a true gamechanger for carbon-intensive transportation.
Construction of the Arbios facility began in 2022 and was completed in 2024. It is being commissioned and undergoing start-up in 2025. This year marks a pivotal moment: proving commercial viability and product performance of the first processing line. This year also signifies a change of ownership, with Licella now fully owning Arbios. If all goes to plan, Licella is eyeing options to further develop both the technology and scale.
“Scaling up is never easy but we’re steadily overcoming the obstacles typical of a first-of-its-kind facility,” said Stefan Muller, COO of Arbios.
EDI focuses on living things and where they live. We have been in business for over three decades and are a team of experinced specialists, including biologists, hydrologists/hydrogeologists, scientists and planners.
• Focused on What Matters
“We’re optimistic and excited about the opportunity to turn low value residues into a sought-after higher value biofuel.”
Local Roots, Global Impact
The project isn’t just about global decarbonization; it’s deeply local in its execution and impact. From the beginning, Arbios has worked in close partnership with the Lheidli T’enneh Nation. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to environmental stewardship and cultural respect. Together, they’ve conducted a voluntary environmental due diligence process, even though the project did not trigger formal federal or provincial Environmental Impact Assessment thresholds. This proactive approach speaks to Arbios’ values and its alignment with community expectations for transparency and sustainability.
The facility name, Chuntoh Ghuna (pronounced Chan-toh Hanna) means the forest lives. From a site blessing before construction commenced, to the facility name and other joint activities and projects, the Lheidli T’enneh’s work with Arbios speaks to a deep and long-standing relationship.
Building Jobs and the Circular Economy
Prince George has long been a cornerstone of BC’s forest industry. Arbios builds on that legacy by taking forestry by-products, traditionally underutilized or burned as fuel, and turning them into high-value fuels. In doing so, it creates a closedloop system where waste becomes opportunity.
The economic benefits are tangible. The initial single-line facility has created 26 direct jobs in Prince George and 8 more across BC, which could grow to 50 should the facility expand. These are high-quality, futureoriented positions in an emerging field that blends biotechnology, chemical engineering, and sustainable resource management.
Beyond direct employment, the project supports local suppliers, construction trades, and logistics services, further embedding itself into the regional economy.
Environmental Leadership from the Ground Up
Perhaps the most compelling aspect of the Arbios facility is the potential for its product to significantly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in long haul transportation. Biofuels like those produced from Arbios’ bio-oil have the potential to be up to 80% less carbon intensive than conventional
fossil fuels. That magnitude of reduction aligns with British Columbia’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard and CleanBC goals to significantly cut transportation-sector emissions.
Arbios’ bio-oil is intended to be blended into refiner feedstocks and to help industries and governments meet increasingly stringent climate targets without overhauling infrastructure. It’s a pragmatic and scalable solution to a global challenge, rooted right here in Prince George.
A Vision for the Future
As the world races to decarbonize, projects like Chuntoh Ghuna offer a glimpse into a cleaner, more sustainable future, and Prince George is poised to be a leader in that transformation. The city’s access to biomass, skilled labour force, and supportive industrial ecosystem makes it an ideal launchpad for new green technologies.
This facility could mark just the beginning. If successful, the Arbios
model may be replicated in other regions across Canada and globally, turning biomass-rich communities into hubs of clean fuel innovation.
Backed by support from provincial and federal clean-tech and low carbon development programs and driven by an ambitious, communityaligned mission, Arbios is setting a new standard for what sustainable industrial development can look like.
Prince George residents have long been stewards of the forest. Now, they may soon be known as pioneers of renewable fuels.
For more information, visit www. arbiosbiotech.com or follow project updates as this landmark initiative moves from vision to reality.
Licella, an Australian cleantech pioneer, uses its Cat-HTR™ hydrothermal liquefaction platform to turn biomass and plastic waste into sustainable oil for fuels, chemicals, and circular plastics. For more information, visit licella.com
Metso Expands Western Canada Presence with New Prince George Service Centre
Metso, a global leader in mining equipment, technology, and services, has broken ground on a new service centre in Prince George, British Columbia, designed to support the region’s growing copper and gold mining sectors. The $8 million facility will provide maintenance, repair, and parts support for heavy-duty equipment such as crushers, grinding mills, flotation systems, and material handling components.
This centre represents a major step in Metso’s strategy to enhance service accessibility and reduce equipment downtime by locating support closer to key mining operations. Announced in September 2024, the investment reflects Metso’s commitment to strengthening its footprint in Western Canada. Construction began in June 2025, with operations slated to start in early 2026.
Once open, the Prince George centre will offer a comprehensive suite of OEM-certified services, including on-site inspections, turnkey solutions, off-site repairs, and warehousing for spare and wear parts. It will support a full range of mining processes—from pit to port— servicing crushers, screens, flotation cells, filters, slurry pumps, and more. By establishing a local hub, Metso aims to deliver shorter turnaround times, faster repairs, and more sustainable service logistics by reducing the need for long-distance transport of customer equipment.
The Prince George facility is one component of a
wider expansion across North America. Metso is also enhancing its Mesa, Arizona service centre with a 60 per cent increase in repair shop space and building a stateof-the-art training facility on the same site. Both are expected to open in 2026, in line with the Prince George timeline. These investments reflect a long-term vision to strengthen Metso’s service network and technical capacity across key mining regions.
The new facility will create jobs in northern B.C., including roles for service engineers, technical specialists, warehouse staff, and logistics personnel. It also builds on Metso’s reputation as a top employer: the company has been certified a Great Place to Work in Canada from 2022 through 2025. Globally, Metso operates with more than 3,700 field service professionals across 140+ locations on six continents, offering installation, commissioning, maintenance, and repair services to the mining and industrial sectors.
According to Justin Ayotte, Vice President of Canada Sales and Service, the expansion has been “very well received” by customers. By providing quicker, more localized support, Metso aims to enhance service reliability and reduce operational delays for mining operators in B.C. and across Western Canada. The Prince George service centre is expected to become a key logistics and support hub for the region—one that reflects Metso’s larger commitment to operational excellence, sustainability, and workforce development in the global mining sector.
Estate planning: A powerful strategy for your family and business
By Miranda Paterson, Tax Partner, Doane Grant Thornton LLP
One of the most overlooked strategies to preserve your wealth, provide for your family, and ensure your business can continue to thrive is developing an estate plan early. With the right team of advisors, including an estate lawyer, insurance providers, and of course, tax professionals, estate planning becomes a proactive tool for your peace of mind and wealth protection.
When planning your estate, our advisors can talk you through what must happen before you pass away, what would happen when you pass away, and after. Planning generally starts with preparing a detailed list of assets and liabilities as well as outlining where those net assets will be distributed upon death. Many think if there’s no plan, an estate would automatically go to a spouse or be divided between children. However, if you die without preparing a will, there are rules that can lead to unintended outcomes, especially in blended families.
Do you have a business?
Over time, managing wealth can become increasingly more challenging and complex. It’s not always easy to decipher exactly how your assets are structured and held—and when you have a business, it adds another layer of complexity. It’s important to consider where your wealth lies (i.e., personal or in a business). A tax advisor can help navigate planning decisions and strategies, including to identify your assets and explain how they would be treated once you pass and then help restructure assets to ensure there’s sufficient liquidity in the estate to manage taxes related to death.
A business succession plan is also critical, as it helps preserve the value of your estate and can offer tax advantages when integrated with your broader estate plan. A succession plan—which outlines who will take over, how ownership should be transferred, and how the business should be valued—can help minimize disruption and potential conflicts.
What’s the tax impact on death?
In addition to will planning, understanding the tax implications of death and how they could impact your estate is key. A tax advisor can help look at your assets and objective and create a strategy to minimize taxes and other costs—and ultimately preserve wealth for family and successors. In Canada, there isn’t estate tax or inheritance tax like in the United States or other
jurisdictions; however, there are potential taxes and other rules to consider that could incur at death.
Planning opportunities
Once you have considered your assets and your objectives, an advisor can discuss potential outcomes and strategies to help reduce tax liabilities and maximize the value of your estate when implemented correctly. Some effective estate planning strategies include:
• Spousal rollover: If property is transferred to a spouse or qualified spousal trust, the ownership of the property can be transferred at its original cost—so that tax is essentially deferred until the property is sold or the surviving spouse passes.
• Trusts: Establishing a trust can be a powerful tool to minimize probate, protect assets, and provide ongoing support for beneficiaries.
• Philanthropic intentions: Supporting causes you care about today can help reduce the size of an estate, which may lower estate taxes upon death.
• Multiple will strategy: In British Columbia (and Ontario), multiple wills can be used to separate assets in different jurisdictions or separate assets that require probate from others—which could also reduce taxes and probate fees.
• Joint ownership: Owning property with another person (e.g., a spouse) can allow the asset to pass directly to the surviving owner without going through probate courts.
• Beneficiary designations: If a beneficiary to a registered plan such as an RRSP is named, the RRSP assets are transferred directly to the beneficiary without going through probate.
• Life insurance: Certain policies can provide liquidity to the estate.
Estate planning is one of the most important financial decisions you’ll make. With us on your team, you can reduce costs, avoid surprises, and ensure your loved ones are taken care of. Don’t wait—start planning with us today.
For more details on the estate planning process and key considerations, please visit www. DoaneGrantThornton.ca
Miranda Paterson, Doane Grant Thornton
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Prince George, BC V2M 1G4 (250) 564-8861 http://www.1013theriver.com
1413091 BC Ltd.
Prince George, BC (672) 983-5033
2 FINE DESIGN LTD.
dba Home Work
1245 3rd Ave.
Prince George, BC V2L 3E6 (236) 423-3377
2025 MEMBERSHIP LISTINGS
99.3 The Drive
1810 3rd Ave.
Prince George, BC V2M 1G4 (250) 564-8861
http://www.993thedrive.com
A & B Hauling Ltd.
Prince George, BC (403) 895-2481
A-Star Automotive Recyclers Ltd.
2782 Cessna Rd.
Prince George, BC V2N 2H8 (250) 963-3211
http://www.a-starautomotive.com/
A-Tech Security
3963 15th Ave.
Unit 103
Prince George, BC V2N 1A5 (250) 561-0236
http://homeworkprincegeorge.com
250 Contracting Ltd.
Prince George, BC (250) 960-0302 http://www.250contracting.com
3 Goblins Games
200 - 356 George St.
Prince George, BC V2L 1R3 (250) 981-5688
3M Ventures Ltd.
2272 Nicholson St. S D18
Prince George, BC V2N 1V8 (250) 614-2567 http://www.drive3m.ca
5904 NWT Limited Operating as Black Stone Homes 2033 1st Ave.
Prince George, BC V2L 2Z1 (250) 562-2338 http://www.blackstonehomes.net
6ix Sigma Productions
2422 Vanier Dr. 303
Prince George, BC V2N 0J2 (250) 640-3450 http://www.6ixsigma.ca
