Ashcroft hosted a meeting of most of the provincial Liberal caucus on July 15, as Fraser-Nicola MLA Jackie Tegart took the opportunity to highlight local economic development.
“I’m thrilled and honoured to have been asked to show other MLAs what Fraser-Nicola has to offer,” said Tegart, who was approached by Premier Christy Clark and asked to host the party’s strategic planning session in her riding. “I was really fortunate to get picked, and had to decide how to highlight the riding.”
One of the highlights was a luncheon at the Ashcroft Terminal. The 320-acre transload and storage terminal provides direct access to major highways and railway lines, and while much of the infrastructure is in place, it is still expanding. Ashcroft Mayor Andy Anderson said that the terminal has been a dream for many years, and that there were times when he never thought he’d see it. He also pointed out the importance of the jobs the terminal brings with it, and the economic stability it brings. “Just a few jobs in a community of 1,700 makes a big difference,” he said. “Without them kids leave and schools close.”
“The terminal is a focal point for Fraser-Nicola, and has incredible opportunity for job creation, and also for stability in the Interior,” said Tegart. “It was my intention to ensure that my fellow MLAs understand the importance of the resource industry and rural communities.”
“The activity and the expansion that’s taking place here at the Ashcroft Terminal is a terrific example of how important the connection is between our resource sectors in our province and a growing, healthy, vibrant economy,” said Todd Stone, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure.
Tegart was happy to have the opportunity to show other MLAs what locals see every day. In addition to the Terminal, the caucus was able to visit the new Kwoiek Creek Hydroelectric Project near Kanaka Bar and the Highland Valley Mine before continuing on to Merritt for a meeting with the Premier.
Barbara Roden