Economic Development Department
Mackenzie...the Sky's the Limit
The District of Mack
enzie lies at the southern end of Williston Lake, the largest man-made reservoir in North America, formed by the WAC Bennett Dam on the Peace River. Mackenzie is cradled by the Omineca Mountains to the west and the Rocky Mountains to the east, placing it within the Rocky Mountain Trench.
Aside from the astounding recreational opportunities, Mackenzie's location provides strategic access to a resource planning area larger than Vancouver Island (6,130,604 hectares). Excellent air, ground, rail and marine transportation links are the methods of access to a hot bed of forestry operations, mining prospects and adventure tourism potential.
Home to 4,500 people, residents enjoy pristine wilderness, endless recreation opportunities, affordable housing and the benefits of life in a small town. There is truly something for everyone with picturesque lakes for boating and fishing, an abundance of trails for winter and summer activities, and enviable snow conditions for skiers and snowmobilers alike.
The District of Mackenzie was incorporated in 1966 after the development of large pulp and lumber manufacturing mills. Today, Mackenzie is home to several large industrial facilities including sawmill complexes, pulp mill, and finger jointing mill. Mackenzie is a modern community working to diversify its forest based economy and expand into viable secondary industries.
For new business prospects, the municipality boasts low land costs, low tax rates, and availability of power and water for industrial applications. Further, businesses may qualify for grants through the Northern BC Advantage Program offered by Northern Development Initiative Trust.
Mining
Geologists have discovered deposits of lead, zinc, silver and gold on the west and north sides of Williston Lake that are considered high potential sites for mine development. With the increasing amount of exploration in the area, Mackenzie will likely see added investment and business creation in the local economy. Mackenzie has an excellent strategic location to service these developments both during exploration and should they begin production. The road structures, barge and rail services are all capable of providing access to the mineral wealth in the area.
The Terrane Metals Corp. Mt. Milligan copper-gold project has successfully concluded the Federal Environmental Assessment process and expects to start construction in the first quarter of 2010. This mine is located between Mackenzie and Fort St. James and our region is working hard to position itself as a service supply centre for the mine. One of the initiatives underway is the upgrade of the Connector Road that will connect the two communities, enabling businesses and workers access to the mine site.
Fact Sheet on Mount Milligan. More information on the project can be found at
www.terranemetals.com.
Forestry Manufacturing
Mackenzie is home to several large industrial facilities including the Canfor sawmill complex and the Conifex sawmill and Mackenzie Pulp Corporation pulp mill.
The Future
The opportunities are truly endless in the District of Mackenzie. The community welcomes you to consider Mackenzie as your future home, place of work, and outdoor playground. In Mackenzie, the Sky's the Limit!
For more information:
Phone: 250-997-3221
Email:
info@district.mackenzie.bc.ca
Website:
www.district.mackenzie.bc.ca