By Oli Herrera

WEST COAST JOBS

Proposed Pineview WCO project could create indirect jobs

Oct 22, 2021 | 5:00 PM

PRINCE GEORGE—The West Coast Olefins project that’s being proposed for Pineview has yet to be approved. Though some are opposed, the project would bring 150 permanent jobs and thousands of construction jobs.

The $1.5 billion NGL recovery project from West Coast Olefins could provide a boost for the Prince George economy.

“By doing the smaller project, we’re actually going to be able to do more and more of the work by local contractors,” said Ken James, CEO of West Coast Olefins.

Sexual Assault and Harassment

Judge to rule on Canada Post employee's sexual assault and harassment case

3h ago

Weather Alerts

Freezing rain warning issued for Prince George-area, snowfall warning remains for Williston, Pine Pass

7h ago

Spruce Kings 4 Express 3

Lougheed's buzzer-beater lifts Spruce Kings to fifth consecutive win

7h ago

The plant is destined for Pineview if it gets approved by regulatory bodies. It has garnered both support and opposition. James says it would create a large economical impact in the community.

“It’s just more economic to use local labour and in the long run: ask the pulp mills. They would rather have local people doing their maintainance and support then having to bring in people from outside,” said James.

The proposed project would bring in at least 2,000 construction jobs. The company estimates it’d take at least one year to complete construction

Then there would be 150 permanent positions at the plant. While opponents argue the jobs aren’t worth the potential environmental impacts, one expert says the plant would also create indirect employment.

“One to two, to even three thousand constructions jobs are gonna have a pretty significant impact, but I think that both in terms of construction and the long term permanent jobs. The bigger question is going to be the spin-off jobs, the indirect jobs,” said Assistant Professor Liam Kelly, UNBC Department of Economics.

Kelly says the project would also provide other benefits.

“Spending on whether that’s housing, or you know food and restaurants, and different services within the city. There’s also going to be a huge increase in tax revenues both for the city of Prince George and even the province, and even the federal government on a project like this,” said Kelly.

The professor adds that while the project has potential to create a cashflow for the city, he understands that there are risks of the project that have to be fully analyzed before the benefits can be reaped.