CHILLIWACK – MLA Kelli Paddon is welcoming multiple investments in small, land-based infrastructure projects from the province that will support people in their economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“These upgrades to roads and campgrounds will benefit workers, locals and the tourism industry alike,” said Paddon, MLA for Chilliwack-Kent. “It’s a win-win when we can improve the infrastructure that serves communities while also creating jobs, especially after such a tough year.”

The Forestry Enhancement Program (FEP) supports workers and contractors who were impacted by downturns in the forestry sector. The program was expanded with an additional $12 million to support more people in more communities across the province in their economic recovery from the effects of the pandemic.

A few of the projects coming to the area include:

• Upgrades to the Chehalis Forest Service Road, adding new gravel to improve safety on 2 km of road.
• Improving roads and camp pads at the Tamihi Recreation Site and the adjoining ORV Staging area, adding gravel to multiple areas of the site to restore condition, level surfaces and reduce siltation.

Other projects across British Columbia include improved recreation sites and trails, enhanced safety along forest service roads, wildlife habitat restoration, and wildfire safety and mitigation.

This announcement is part of BC’s $10 billion COVID response, which includes the StrongerBC for Everyone recovery plan — a plan that protects people’s health and livelihoods while supporting businesses and communities.

Learn More:

Link to provincial release: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2021FLNRO0020-000549

Forest Employment Program: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/forestry/supports-for-forestry-workers/short-term-forest-employment-program