Rocky Mountain Ranger Week is coming

“Historically, the regiment has had footprints all over the Interior of British Columbia,” explains Dan McLaren, President of the Rocky Mountain Ranger Regimental Association. ” And who knows, maybe we’ll again someday. But it’s nice to see that we’re getting traction for not just more military spending here in Prince George, but more young people are coming into the organization.”

And Council kicked up its support a notch, passing a motion to not only support the Rangers’ pursuit for an expanded presence in Prince George, but also further advocate with government around Prince George’s suitablity for increased Canadian Armed Forces investment.

“What’s super-unexpected – in a very pleasant way – was that we had our City pass resolutions, wanting to expand the military presence here in Prince George. The colonel isn’t really allowed to talk about asking the government for more money, we can. Our association will be very happy to support an expanded footprint in Prince George.”

McLaren says the local company is the envy of others across the nation because of its support from the city and the mayor agrees.

“We clearly show as a city that we have a very, very positive working relationship with our Rocky Mountain Rangers and the Prince George,” says Mayor Simon Yu. “And historically, we had an army presence here during World War Two.”

And the timing of the support could not be more appropriate, with the federal government committing billions more in defence spending in recent months.

“And going forward, we see our federal government having an expanded plan, for the military,” says McLaren. “And that would include areas like Prince George. We are geographically located in a perfect place for a bigger footprint for the military.”

The week of events for the Rangers gets underway Monday morning at City Hall.

by Cheryl Jahn

Rocky Mountain Ranger Week is coming

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