Prince George looking to capture share of billions in Northern B.C. major projects

The scale of investment being discussed is significant.

Presentation materials prepared for the committee indicated that roughly 20 major projects in the Cariboo, Nechako, North Coast and Northeast regions could potentially use Prince George as a service and supply hub. Together, those projects represent more than $50 billion in investment and could require more than 20,000 construction workers over the coming years.

Among the largest projects are:

BC Hydro’s North Coast Transmission Line, a proposed $6-billion project expected to support major industrial development on the North Coast.
Phase 2 of the Blackwater Mine, which has already seen more than $1 billion invested since 2022.
Mount Milligan Mine expansion, involving approximately $400 million in investment.
The University Hospital of Northern B.C. Acute Care Tower project, estimated at $1.6 billion.
Enbridge’s Sunrise Expansion Program, a $4-billion natural gas pipeline expansion currently under construction.

Cortsanje said allowing those opportunities to pass by local businesses would be a mistake.

“It’s a significant amount of money coming to the region, to Northern B.C., and for us to sit idle would be a mistake.”

The city’s strategy focuses on understanding what project proponents will need years before construction peaks. Cortsanje said the city is working closely with the Province of British Columbia, Indigenous governments, the Prince George and District Chamber of Commerce and other regional partners to identify workforce requirements and contracting opportunities. Those details can then be shared with local businesses so they have time to prepare.

“We’re working with partners, with the province, the local chamber, the First Nation and a number of other organizations to talk to proponents and get an understanding of the workforce and the skills and contracts needed for their projects.”

The goal is to ensure Prince George companies can compete for work ranging from construction and transportation to accommodation, logistics, manufacturing and professional services. The effort comes as Prince George continues to deal with ongoing challenges in the forestry sector.

Mill closures, production curtailments and trade uncertainty have created economic pressure across many resource-dependent communities in Northern B.C. At the same time, major investments in mining, energy, utilities and infrastructure are creating new opportunities.

Cortsanje said helping businesses diversify beyond forestry has become an important part of the city’s long-term economic strategy.

“It’s important to support our businesses move from reliance on forestry as a primary base to their business models, to diversifying out into different sectors.”

He noted that diversification can help companies weather fluctuations in commodity prices, market conditions and international trade.

“When we have a more diverse economic base of businesses, the potential for further growth and further spin-offs increases with that.”

Prince George has long served as a transportation and service centre for Northern B.C., with connections by rail, highway and air to communities across the region.

The city is also home to CN Rail’s northern B.C. operational hub and continues to play a key role in moving goods to and from the Port of Prince Rupert. Additional rail and transportation investments across northern British Columbia are expected to further strengthen Prince George’s position as a logistical centre.

Cortsanje believes that role gives the city an advantage as major projects move forward. Rather than relying solely on projects physically located within city limits, Prince George can benefit by supplying workers, equipment, materials and services to developments occurring throughout Northern B.C.

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Email: Adam.Berls@pattisonmedia.com

by Adam Berls

Prince George looking to capture share of billions in Northern B.C. major projects

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