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QUESNEL – It would seem the theme for 2016 in Quesnel is “Opportunity”!
First, the general contractor has been selected for the $20 million North Cariboo Arena Replacement Project: Vic Van Isle Construction (VVI).
The selection of the Kelowna-based company was based on a range of criteria including their fee proposal, work plan and schedule, experience of personnel assigned to the project, and their use of local trades. VVI proposes an aggressive schedule that anticipates construction of the West Fraser Centre to start in the early spring of 2016, with substantial completion of the new building anticipated as early as the spring of 2017.
The opportunity? VVI will utilize a significant number of local trades in the project and will be using a local contractor as their site superintendent
Second, Quesnel & District Chamber of Commerce co-hosted B2B Networking Sessions and a Job Fair relating to the multitude of opportunities that will come from the Site C project. The Peace River Hydro Partners estimate Site C will create approximately 10,000 person-years of direct employment during construction, and approximately 33,000 total person-years of employment through all stages of development and construction.
Quesnel was the southern-most location for these events and a total of 35 businesses and over 400 individuals got to discuss the opportunities that lie ahead…perhaps not the blow-the-doors-off numbers seen in Prince George and Fort St John, but when we discovered we had attendees from as far away as Abbotsford, the value of both events was clear.
Third, the City of Quesnel has taken the preliminary steps to better telling the story that is Quesnel. Many saw the recent newspaper headline, describing the City as “rough-and-tumble”, but the fact is that it has a great deal to offer: affordable housing, green spaces and trail systems, a very active community, and unrivalled proximity to outdoor adventure. Next time you’re driving through town, stop in at the Visitor Centre and rediscover Quesnel.
Last but not least, Quesnel & District Chamber of Commerce will host the 2016 Home & Outdoor Adventure Show, May 6-8, at Quesnel Twin Arenas. This is a two-way opportunity. First, businesses and business people get to promote who they are and what they do, make new connections and renew old networks. Registration is now open and booth space is filling fast – contact me at 250.992.7262
The other opportunity is for the residents of the North Cariboo to see what’s available in their local market, to put together names and faces. And that opportunity extends to the Home-Based Business Show taking place that same weekend right next door at Quesnel Seniors Centre.
When opportunity knocks, Quesnel believes in opening the door!
– Simon Turner is Acting Manager for Quesnel & District Chamber of Commerce while Amber Gregg is on maternity leave. He can be reached at qchamber@quesnelbc.com.
