Coal Mining Rivals Major B.C. Industries

Fort St. John already plays a vital role as the hub of British Columbia’s prosper- ing oil and gas, energy and forestry industries, acting as the service centre for the northeast region of the province. It is a source of industry knowledge, training, education, resources, manufacturing and recruitment. It can also play this key support role for another flourishing resource sector–coal mining.

As Mayor of Fort St. John, I support diversification of the economy in the Peace River Region of B.C., so I both welcome and am excited by any new, burgeoning industries. This emphasis on diversification will only be helped by our prospering coal mining sector.

Rather than being just a new kid on the block, coal mining has become as vital to our region as any other industry. In 2005, coal exploration spending in the northeast was approximately $100 million, making it the backbone of our regional economy. Coal mining has a significant impact on Tumbler Ridge and Chetwynd, and benefits both Dawson Creek and Hudson’s Hope. Rich coal deposits characterize these districts, and three new coal mines have opened up in the northeast over the past 12 months, with another slated to open later this year.

In addition to this impressive growth in B.C., a combination of favourable market prices, efficient mining methods and high levels of exploration are fuelling the coal mining industry’s comeback around the world. The economic rise of China and India, in particular, has had a resoundingly positive impact on coal prices.

All of this bodes well for the growth of the coal mining industry in northeast B.C., where there is an opportunity to develop a long-term coal industry that rivals the success of the industry in the southeast. Indeed, there is enough coal in the region to sustain mining for at least 100 years.

The industry does face some challenges. Luring skilled workers to the region is a well-known problem at the moment–so is our coal mining profession attractive enough? With an average wage of approximately $95,000 for a miner in B.C., combined with attractive lifestyles, we would certainly hope so. An influx of well-paid workers and a successful coal mining industry in northeast B.C. will have a stabilizing impact on local communities.

As a city, Fort St. John is working hard to support such industry growth. Fort St. John has one of the strongest economies in B.C., fuelled by our many diverse industries. As the oil and gas capital of the province, that industry generates revenues over $2 billion, while our forestry and agriculture industries contribute $90 million and $77 million, respectively, per year to the region’s economy. No wonder we have virtually no unemployment.

The Fort St. John airport provides daily, direct flights to Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton. It is home to the Northern Lights College and a small campus of the University of Northern British Columbia, excellent medical facilities, first class recreational opportunities and a very active arts and cultural community. People come to Fort St. John for jobs, but stay for its lifestyle.

By offering this combination of high- paying jobs and desirable lifestyles, Fort St. John is working hard to ensure that our skilled workers of today and tomorrow stay in the region and help it continue its growth.

Jim Eglinski was elected to Fort St. John City Council in 2002 and as Mayor in 2005. He served as chair of the North Peace Economic Development Commission for two years.