Transition Team Collaborates to Support the Community

The second Community Transition Team meetings took place in 100 Mile House last week to work on supports for impacted workers, businesses and the community during this transition. 

The recent announcements of the mill closures at Norbord and West Fraser have deeply impacted the community of 100 Mile House, Clinton and surrounding areas.  The District Of 100 Mile House has taken action and initiated a Community Transition Team to mitigate the economic shock and to discuss opportunities to foster economic diversification. With the support of Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, meetings have already taken place over the past few weeks with the major employers, union representatives, various provincial ministries, service providers, federal government and others to address the impacts. 

The Community Transition response model is tailored to the unique circumstances, strengths and capacity of this community.  Each meeting covers one of the three main topics and involves some of the following stakeholders: 

Worker Transition – WorkBC, Service Canada, Norbord, West Fraser, Union Representatives, School District 27, Ministry of Social Development and Advanced Education and Skills Training.

Community Supports  -  Community Mental Health, Interior Health and the Cariboo Family Enrichment Centre

Economic Development – Local government, Community Futures, local business leaders and the Chamber of Commerce 

At the Community Transition Team meetings discussions take place which involve the broader community impacts of a major industry event as well as the secondary impacts, such as: 

* Impact on workers, families, schools and community support services; 

* Impacts on small businesses and suppliers including secondary layoffs; and, 

* Impacts on the municipal tax-base and other factors impacting community well-being. 

Together with the community, the Transition Team is working towards identifying the needs and challenges, then coordinating resources, designing responses, and engaging across provincial ministries, service providers, federal government and other agencies.  The District is optimistic and determined to create the best outcome for all members of this community that will be impacted by these mill closures and curtailments. 

The Community Transition Team meets again later in July.