OBAC - Omineca Beetle Action Coalition

The speaker for the January 27th was Sharon Tower from the Omineca Beetle Action Coalition (OBAC). OBAC's mandate is provide unified, cross-regional leadership that ensures place-based, innovation driven, economic diversification, sustainable development and, resiliency. The Coalition seeks to lead with integrity and dedication, initiating collaborative solutions that enable all our citizens to better determine future opportunities and respond to challenges. The Coalition was established in 2005 to deal with the community impacts of the pine beetle epidemic. Membership to the coalition is voluntary and comprised of local government leaders from the following municipalities and regional districts:

Sharon reported that the local economy will start to feel the impact of the pine beetle kill. While there still is some viable timber but it will require new roads making it expensive to haul. The timber shortfall is predicted to have a devastating impact on the local economy and people of the region and will likely see 5 mills closing by 2020 resulting in a 47% increase in unemployment. OBAC continues to be involved in a variety of initiatives and strategies including the Rural BC Project, agriculture, alternative energy projects, mining, soil research, tourism including a mountain biking strategy, community social services projects, like housing in Houston and Smithers. The Coalition is a not-for-profit organization that tries to leverage every dollar. If you would like more information about the Omineca Beetle Action Coalition, check out their website at: http://www.ominecacoalition.ca/concrete5/.