bc-forest-industry-economic-impact-study

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Effects of Mill Closures on Forest-Dependent
CASE STUDY
Communities
The BC forest industry has a long history of contributing to the
livelihood and social well-being of the communities and regions in
which it operates. Consequently, when a forest products operation
closes in a forest-dependent community, the adverse effects can be
felt throughout the community. There are several examples throughout
the province of the adverse effects of mill closures in forest dependent
communities. Squamish, Campbell River, Gold River, Tahsis,
Kelowna, Williams Lake, Fort Nelson, Prince Rupert and Terrace are
among the communities that have experienced the detrimental effects
of mill closures. In addition to the immediate impacts on employment,
population and local businesses, the closure of forest industry
operations may have additional impacts on property values, the
maintenance of local infrastructure, healthcare services, schools
operations and access to amenities, such as sports and recreation
facilities.
For example, the reduction in population in the small communities of
Gold River, Mackenzie and Tahsis over a 15 year period was 38
percent, 42 percent and 66 percent respectively after mill closures. 97
The median income in Gold River decreased by 17 percent over the
same period. 98
97
Population statistics are from Statistics Canada Census profiles and the National Household Survey, 2011
98
Median income statistics are from Statistics Canada Census profiles and the National Household Survey, 2011
BC FOREST INDUSTRY: ECONOMIC IMPACT STUDY
MNP LLP