RDEK Board of Directors Thursday, March 31, 2016 Friday, April 1, 2016 Time: TBA Time: 9:00 Am

Board of Directors Meeting March 4, 2016 9:00 am

AMENDED AGENDA VOTING: Unless otherwise indicated on this agenda, all Directors have one vote and a simple majority is required for a motion to pass.

Who Votes Count 1. Call to Order 1.1 Introduction of New Employee: Brian De Paoli, Engineering Technician 2. Addition of Late Items 3. Adoption of the Agenda 4. Adoption of the Minutes 4.1 February 12, 2016 Meeting

5. Invited Presentation 5.1 MLA Norm Macdonald, Columbia River re: Provincial Updates and Discussion

6. Correspondence 6.1 City of Port Coquitlam – 2016 FCM Resolution – Build Canada Grant Funding 6.2 BC Conservation Officer Service – Access Management Compliance and Enforcement Program 2015 Report 6.3 Columbia Basin Trust – February 12/13, 2016 Board Highlights 6.4 Pam Turyk – Letter of Thanks (RDEK 50th Anniversary) 6.5 Communities in Bloom – 2017 Communities in Bloom Program 6.6 Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour – BC Jobs Plan 4-Year Progress Update Addendum 6.7 Honourable Coralee Oakes, Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction and the Honourable Peter Fassbender, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development – BC Wine on Grocery Store Shelves

7. Unfinished Business 8. New Business 9. Committee Recommendations • Columbia Valley Service Committee • Elk Valley Services Committee • Planning & Development Services Committee • Governance & Regional Services Committee • Central Services Committee • Electoral Area Services Committee Amended Agenda Page 2 Board of Directors March 4, 2016

10. Bylaws Addendum 10.1 Bylaws No. 2668 and No. 2669 – Public Hearing Report 10.2 Bylaw No. 2668 – Rockview Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw (Cranbrook South / Pelton) – Third Reading 10.3 Bylaw No. 2669 – Cranbrook Rural Zoning Amendment Bylaw (Cranbrook South / Pelton) – Third Reading 10.4 Bylaw No. 2670 – Rockyview Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw (Jim Smith Lake Rd. / Durning) – Two Readings 10.5 Bylaw No. 2671 – Cranbrook Rural Zoning Amendment Bylaw (Jim Smith Lake / Durning) – Two Readings 10.6 Bylaws No. 2670 and No. 2671 – Public Hearing Withdrawn 10.7 Bylaw No. 2674 – Jaffray, Tie Lake, Rosen Lake Land Use and Floodplain Management Amendment Bylaw (Highway 3/93 / Lillejord) – Two Readings Withdrawn 10.8 Bylaw No. 2674 – Public Hearing 10.9 Bylaw No. 2675 – E9-1-1 Service Establishment Amendment Bylaw – Adoption Revised 10.10 Bylaw No. 2690 – 2016-2020 Five Year Financial All Directors Weighted Plan Bylaw – Three Readings and Adoption

11. Late Agenda Items 12. Reports from Directors Director McDougall • Columbia Basin Regional Advisory Committee Director McCormick • Columbia Basin Rural Development Institute Advisory Committee Director Wilkie • Kootenay Conservation Program Committee Director Booth • Forum: Columbia Mountains Institute of Applied Ecology Environmental & Social Assessment • Columbia Basin Trust • Columbia Valley Advisory Committee (CBT Advisory) • Environmental Assessment Working Group – Kootenay West Mine • Kootenay – Boundary Drinking Water Advisory Committee • Ktunaxa / Kinbasket Local Government Treaty Advisory Committee Director Reinhardt • Design Committee – Multi-use Arts and Recreation Facility Invermere • TransCanada Trail 2017 Committee Director Walter • Workshop: Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training – Land Development Readiness and Marketing • Kootenay Booth Organizing Committee • Municipal Insurance Association Amended Agenda Page 3 Board of Directors March 4, 2016

Reports from Directors (continued) Director Sosnowski • Canadian Columbia River Local Government Committee / Canadian Columbia River Forum • Elk River Alliance Steering Committee • Environmental Assessment Working Groups – Baldy Ridge Extension/Bingay Main Coal/Coal Mountain Phase 2/Fernie/Michel Creek Coking Coal • Fernie Visitor Transportation Committee • Local Government Off Road Vehicle Working Group

Director Giuliano • Elk Valley Advisory Committee (CBT Advisory) • Southern Interior Development Initiative Trust – Kootenay Columbia Regional Advisory Committee Chair Gay • Highway 3 Mayors’ and Chairs’ Coalition • Key City Theatre Replacement Committee • Municipal Finance Authority • Regional Broadband Committee • Southern Interior Beetle Action Committee 13. Adjourn to Closed

COMMITTEE MEETING SCHEDULE Thursday, March 3, 2016

1:15 pm Columbia Valley Services Committee 1:45 pm Elk Valley Services Committee 2:15 pm Planning & Development Services Committee 3:30 pm Governance & Regional Services Committee 6:00 pm Central Services Committee 6:15 pm Electoral Area Services Committee

NEXT MEETINGS Central East Kootenay Community Directed Funds Committee Meeting – May 12, 2016 Committee Meetings RDEK Board of Directors Thursday, March 31, 2016 Friday, April 1, 2016 Time: TBA Time: 9:00 am

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE REGIONAL DISTRICT OF EAST KOOTENAY HELD AT THE REGIONAL DISTRICT OFFICE IN CRANBROOK BC ON FEBRUARY 12, 2016

PRESENT Chair Rob Gay Electoral Area C Director Mike Sosnowski Electoral Area A Alternate Director Shayne Webster Electoral Area B Director Jane Walter Electoral Area E Alternate Director Lloyd Wilder Electoral Area F Director Gerry Wilkie Electoral Area G Director Lee Pratt City of Cranbrook Alternate Director Wesly Graham City of Cranbrook Director Mary Giuliano City of Fernie Director Don McCormick City of Kimberley Director Dean McKerracher District of Elkford Director Gerry Taft District of Invermere Director Cal McDougall District of Sparwood Director Ute Juras Village of Canal Flats Alternate Director Tyler McCauley Village of Radium Hot Springs

ABSENT Director Stan Doehle Electoral Area B Director Wendy Booth Electoral Area F Director Tom Shypitka City of Cranbrook Director Clara Reinhardt Village of Radium Hot Springs

STAFF Lee-Ann Crane Chief Administrative Officer Shannon Moskal Corporate Officer Connie Thom Executive Assistant (Recording Secretary)

Chair Rob Gay called the meeting to order at 9:00 am.

ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA

45980 MOVED by Director Sosnowski Agenda SECONDED by Director Giuliano

THAT the agenda for the RDEK Board of Directors meeting be adopted. CARRIED

ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES

45981 MOVED by Director McDougall Minutes SECONDED by Alternate Director Graham

THAT the Minutes of the RDEK Board of Directors meeting held on January 8, 2016 be adopted as circulated. CARRIED

DELEGATIONS

Jack Bennetto, District Transportation Manager, Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, provided an update on the Rocky Mountain District Program within the RDEK. Mr. Bennetto reviewed the projects that were completed in 2015 and spoke on the following topics that are scheduled for 2016. - Hwy 93/95 Canal Flats Resurfacing - Side Road Resurfacing (Green Rd, Findlay Creek Rd, Fairmont Resort Rd.) - Wildlife Detection Systems - UBCM Commitments - Maintenance Contract Renewal

RDEK BOARD MEETING February 12, 2016 MINUTES PAGE 2

DELEGATIONS (continued)

Morgan Dilts, Waldo Stockbreeders Association, and Brian Zak, Kootenay Livestock Association, expressed concern with the Official Community Plan (OCP) process for the un-zoned area of Electoral Area B stating that there is a lack of agricultural representation on the current advisory group and asked that the Board put a temporary hold on the OCP process for the un-zoned area of Electoral Area B, except Elko.

NEW BUSINESS

Andrew McLeod, Planning & Development Services Manager reviewed the Official Community Plan process and committee representation for the Jaffray and Elko area.

45982 MOVED by Director Juras Jaffray & Elko Area SECONDED by Director Pratt OCP Advisory Group THAT the current membership of the Jaffray and Elko Area Official Community Plan Advisory Group be maintained. CARRIED

COLUMBIA VALLEY SERVICES COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

45983 MOVED by Director Taft CV Visitors Services SECONDED by Alternate Director McCauley Funding THAT a 2016 grant in the amount of $100,000 be provided for Columbia Valley Visitor Services from the Columbia Valley Economic Development Service and a one-year contribution agreement be negotiated with the Radium Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce. CARRIED OPPOSED: Director Juras

45984 MOVED by Director Wilkie CV Arts Council SECONDED by Alternate Director Wilder Funding THAT consideration of the Columbia Valley Arts Council’s request for annual funding to support their operations be postponed one month. CARRIED

45985 MOVED by Director Wilkie Invasive Plant Control SECONDED by Alternate Director McCauley Leafy Spurge THAT the 2016 grant under the Columbia Valley Local Conservation Fund for the Strategic Invasive Plant Control of Leafy Spurge Project be increased by $1,838.63. CARRIED

45986 MOVED by Director Wilkie CV Economic Dev. SECONDED by Director Juras Service THAT the 2017 Financial Plan for the Columbia Valley Economic Development Service include $50,000 for the Columbia Valley Permanent Resident Attraction and Retention implementation project. CARRIED

RDEK BOARD MEETING February 12, 2016 MINUTES PAGE 3

COLUMBIA VALLEY SERVICES COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS (continued)

45987 MOVED by Director Taft CV Economic Dev. SECONDED by Alternate Director McCauley Service THAT an annual grant of $15,000 for Imagine Kootenays be approved for payment from the Columbia Valley Economic Development Service and a 3-year contribution agreement be negotiated with the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce. CARRIED

GOVERNANCE & REGIONAL SERVICES COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

45988 MOVED by Director Walter Access Guardian SECONDED by Director Giuliano Program Service THAT the request from the BC Backcountry Hunters and Anglers to establish an Access Guardian Program Service in Electoral Areas B, C and E, the City of Cranbrook and City of Kimberley be referred to the 2017 strategic priorities process. CARRIED

45989 MOVED by Director McDougall Cheque Register SECONDED by Director McKerracher

THAT the cheque register for the RDEK General Account for January 2016 in the amount of $1,819,476.74 be approved as paid. CARRIED

45990 MOVED by Director Pratt Hwy 3 Mayors’ & SECONDED by Director Giuliano Chairs’ Coalition THAT Chair Rob Gay be appointed to the Highway 3 Mayors’ and Chairs’ Coalition. CARRIED

45991 MOVED by Director McDougall CBT Elk Valley SECONDED by Director Pratt Advisory Comm. THAT the following Directors be appointed to the Columbia Basin Trust Elk Valley Advisory Committee: Director Dean McKerracher Director Cal McDougall Director Mary Giuliano Director Mike Sosnowski CARRIED

45992 MOVED by Director Taft AKBLG Resolution SECONDED by Director McKerracher Child Care Needs THAT the following resolution be submitted to the Association of Kootenay and Boundary Local Governments 2016 Annual General Meeting: WHEREAS there is immediate need for more child care spaces and increased number of people working as early childhood educators in the East Kootenay and British Columbia; AND WHEREAS the main barriers to the creation of new spaces and maintaining existing spaces is not within local government control but is related to Provincial funding, licensing and health requirements, educational requirements, increasingly unaffordable childcare costs for parents, and unacceptably low rate of pay for most early childhood educators; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Province of British Columbia, the Provincial health authorities, and relevant post-secondary institutions work to

(continued on next page)

RDEK BOARD MEETING February 12, 2016 MINUTES PAGE 4

GOVERNANCE & REGIONAL SERVICES COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS (continued)

45992 (continued)

solve the immediate and long term needs and gaps in child care delivery, regulation, fee structure and Provincial funding; AND FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that the Union of British Columbia Municipalities and other interested local governments be invited to collaborate and participate in developing solutions but that it is understood that child care is not a core mandate or service for local government and interest in participation in solutions is not an invitation for further downloading of responsibility or funding for child care from the Province. CARRIED

45993 MOVED by Alternate Director Webster 2015/16 Strategic SECONDED by Director McKerracher Priorities THAT the 2015/16 Strategic Priorities chart be amended by striking the Elko Provincial Park project and substituting the Waldo Cove regional park project; and further, that the Province be notified the RDEK is not interested in acquiring the Elko Provincial Park land at this time. CARRIED

45994 MOVED by Director Giuliano Electric Vehicle SECONDED by Director McDougall Charging Station THAT the Electric Vehicle Charging Station Infrastructure Strategy be approved; and further, that the Minister of Energy and Mines and Columbia Basin Trust be advised of the strategy and the RDEK’s interest in partnering on funding Phase 1 implementation. CARRIED

45995 MOVED by Director Sosnowski Fernie Nordic Society SECONDED by Director Giuliano Letter of Support THAT a letter of support be provided to the Fernie Nordic Society for their Recreation Infrastructure Grant application for funding towards the completion of outstanding projects at the Elk Valley Nordic Centre. CARRIED

45996 MOVED by Alternate Director McCauley Old Coach Trail SECONDED by Director Taft Winter Maint. THAT the 2016 Regional Parks Budget include a provision of $5,600 and the 2017 budget $9,200 in order to provide winter maintenance of that portion of the Old Coach Trail extending from Invermere (bridge) to the Crossroads intersection; and further, that research be conducted in order to assess and define a plan for winter maintenance to be undertaken in order to develop a budget that accurately reflects annual maintenance costs. CARRIED

45997 MOVED by Director McKerracher Emergency Program SECONDED by Director Sosnowski Act – Comments THAT the comments outlined in the February 9, 2016 Request for Decision in response to the Emergency Program Act Discussion Paper be submitted to the Minister of State for Emergency Preparedness. CARRIED

RDEK BOARD MEETING February 12, 2016 MINUTES PAGE 5

GOVERNANCE & REGIONAL SERVICES COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS (continued)

45998 MOVED by Director McCormick BDO Canada LLP SECONDED by Director McKerracher

THAT BDO Canada LLP be advised that there are no significant concerns, or significant risks, that the Board feels require particular attention during the audit. CARRIED

45999 MOVED by Director McKerracher Bylaw 2681 SECONDED by Director McCormick Introduction THAT Bylaw No. 2681 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Security Issuing Bylaw No. 2681, 2016” be introduced for first reading. CARRIED

46000 MOVED by Director Sosnowski Bylaw 2685 SECONDED by Director Taft Introduction THAT Bylaw No. 2685 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Delegation Bylaw No. 2384, 2012 – Amendment Bylaw No. 4, 2016” be introduced for first reading. CARRIED

46001 MOVED by Director Giuliano Kelowna Fire Dept. SECONDED by Director McDougall Fire Dispatch THAT the Chair and CAO be authorized to sign the agreement with the Kelowna Fire Department for regional fire dispatch service at a rate of $1,084,877, for the term May 30, 2016 to May 29, 2021. CARRIED

The meeting recessed at 10:06 am and reconvened at 10:14 am.

PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT SERVICES COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

46002 MOVED by Director Taft Salekin SECONDED by Director Sosnowski ALR Subdivision THAT the Agricultural Land Commission be advised the RDEK supports the Salekin ALR subdivision application for property located at 1316 Dicken Road north of Fernie; and further, that the Agricultural Land Commission be encouraged to conduct a site visit of the property. CARRIED

46003 MOVED by Director Taft Jopp SECONDED by Director Wilkie ALR Subdivision THAT the Agricultural Land Commission be advised the RDEK supports the Jopp ALR subdivision application for property at Highway 95 in the Spur Valley area. CARRIED

46004 MOVED by Director Taft DVP 28-15 SECONDED by Director Juras Granted THAT Development Variance Permit No. 28-15 to reduce the side yard setback from 1.5 m to 0.15 m at the closest point and to 1.37 m at the furthest point for an accessory building on the Loraas property at 4654 Columere Drive in Columere Park be granted subject to the building complying with the BC Building Code. DEFEATED IN FAVOUR: Director Sosnowski

RDEK BOARD MEETING February 12, 2016 MINUTES PAGE 6

PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT SERVICES COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS (continued)

46005 MOVED by Director McCormick DVP 28-15 SECONDED by Director Taft Granted THAT Development Variance Permit No. 28-15 to reduce the side yard setback from 1.5 m to 0.15 m at the closest point and to 1.37 m at the furthest point for an accessory building on the Loraas property at 4654 Columere Drive in Columere Park be granted. CARRIED OPPOSED: Director Walter Director Juras Director Wilkie Alternate Director McCauley

46006 MOVED by Director Taft Non-Farm Use SECONDED by Director Giuliano Applications THAT a letter be sent to the Agricultural Land Commission advising that the Board does not agree with the Reasons for Decision issued by the Commission for the Luminary Holding Corporation and the Charabin and Rosenfeld non-farm use applications. CARRIED

46007 MOVED by Director Gay Bylaw 2668 SECONDED by Director Pratt Introduction THAT Bylaw No. 2668 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Rockyview Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2255, 2010 – Amendment Bylaw No. 16, 2015 (Cranbrook South / Pelton)” be introduced for first reading; and further, that the Board is satisfied that the OCP consultation identified in the staff report is appropriate. CARRIED

46008 MOVED by Director Pratt Bylaw 2669 SECONDED by Director Gay Introduction THAT Bylaw No. 2669 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Cranbrook Rural Zoning Bylaw No. 1402, 2001 – Amendment Bylaw No. 39, 2015 (Cranbrook South / Pelton)” be introduced for first reading; and further, that a development agreement containing the items identified in the January 28, 2016 staff report be registered on title prior to bylaw adoption. CARRIED

46009 MOVED by Director McKerracher Bylaw 2679 SECONDED by Director Walter Introduction THAT Bylaw No. 2679 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Advisory Planning Commission Bylaw No. 2679, 2016” be introduced for first reading. CARRIED

46010 MOVED by Director Sosnowski Bylaw 2680 SECONDED by Director Walter Introduction THAT Bylaw No. 2680 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Electoral Area Advisory Commissions Bylaw No. 2680, 2016” be introduced for first reading. CARRIED

RDEK BOARD MEETING February 12, 2016 MINUTES PAGE 7

PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT SERVICES COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS (continued)

46011 MOVED by Director Sosnowski Jubinville SECONDED by Director Walter ALR Subdivision THAT the Agricultural Land Commission be advised the RDEK supports the Jubinville ALR subdivision application for property located at 5683 Highway 43 between Sparwood and Elkford. CARRIED

46012 MOVED by Director Sosnowski Elkford ATV Club SECONDED by Director McKerracher MFLNRO Referral THAT the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations be advised the RDEK supports the Elkford ATV Club Crown Land Application to establish and maintain a BC Recreation Site in the vicinity of Aldridge Creek and Weary Ridge, 32 kms north of Elkford. CARRIED

46013 MOVED by Director Sosnowski Hornaday Wilderness SECONDED by Director McKerracher MFLNRO Referral THAT the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations be advised the RDEK supports the Hornaday Wilderness Society Crown Land Application to establish and maintain a BC Recreation Site in the vicinity of Mount Peck, 14.2 kms north of Elkford. CARRIED

46014 MOVED by Alternate Director Webster Gabinet SECONDED by Director Walter MFLNRO Referral THAT the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations be advised the RDEK supports the Gabinet application for a License of Occupation to use and maintain an existing roadway on Crown land adjacent to 6520 Tie Lake Road in the Jaffray area. CARRIED

46015 MOVED by Director Walter Transrockies Inc. SECONDED by Director Gay MFLNRO Referral THAT the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations be advised the RDEK supports the Transrockies Inc. application for a Temporary Licence of Occupation for a Special Event Bike Race in the Kimberley, Cranbrook and Fernie areas. CARRIED

46016 MOVED by Alternate Director Webster SC Enterprises SECONDED by Director Sosnowski MoTI Referral THAT the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure be advised the RDEK supports the South Country Enterprises application for proposed closure of part of Burton Lake Estates Road in the Elko area subject to consolidation of the road closure area with the adjoining private land. CARRIED

46017 MOVED by Alternate Director Webster Reeves SECONDED by Director Sosnowski ALR Subdivision THAT the Reeves request for exemption from providing a report from a qualified professional in support of the proposed ALR subdivision application for property located at 8741 Derosier Road south of Jaffray be refused. CARRIED

RDEK BOARD MEETING February 12, 2016 MINUTES PAGE 8

PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT SERVICES COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS (continued)

46018 MOVED by Director Sosnowski West Fernie SECONDED by Director Gay Dev. Policy THAT consideration of a West Fernie development policy be postponed one month. CARRIED

ELECTORAL AREA SERVICES COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

46019 MOVED by Director Gay DGIA SECONDED by Director Walter Approved THAT the following discretionary grants in aid be approved: Recipient Area A Area B Area C Area F Area G Total Fernie Museum and Visitor Information Centre $2,000 $2,000 – Currents: A Fresh Look at the Elk River Program Fernie Museum and Visitor Information Centre $8,000 $8,000 – Tides of Fortunes: A Community History of Hosmer Program. Approval is subject to the exhibit being displayed in the Hosmer Community Hall following it’s display at the Fernie Museum. Elkford Secondary School – Library $1,000 $1,000 Upgrade Fernie Secondary School – Senior Boys $500 $500 Volleyball Team – BC Provincial Single A Volleyball Tournament BC Conservation Foundation – WildSafeBC $1,000 $1,000 Program – Electoral Areas C & E Columbia Valley Skating Club – East Kootenay $1,000 $250 $1,250 Invitational Skating Competition Slow Food Columbia Valley – Slow $2,000 $1,000 $3,000 Food Canada National Summit BC Conservation Foundation – $2,300 $700 $3,000 WildSafeBC Program Community Coordinator Columbia Mountains Institute of $250 $250 Applied Ecology – Environmental and Social Assessment Forum CARRIED

46020 MOVED by Director Wilkie 2016 Wildsafe SECONDED by Alternate Director Wilder BC Program THAT an application be submitted to the 2016 WildSafeBC Program to provide a Community Coordinator in Electoral Areas F and G. CARRIED

46021 MOVED by Director Gay FCM Conference SECONDED by Alternate Director Webster Attendance THAT the Vice-Chair and Director Walter be authorized to attend the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Annual Conference held on June 3 – 5, 2016 in Winnipeg with the Vice-Chair’s expenses paid from General Administration and the Director’s expenses paid from Electoral Area Administration. CARRIED

RDEK BOARD MEETING February 12, 2016 MINUTES PAGE 9

ELECTORAL AREA SERVICES COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS (continued)

46022 MOVED by Alternate Director Wilder CMI Forum SECONDED by Director Wilkie Attendance THAT Director Booth and Director Wilkie be authorized to attend the Columbia Mountains Institute of Applied Ecology Environmental & Social Assessment Forum held on February 23 – 24, 2016 in Cranbrook with the expenses paid from Electoral Area Administration. CARRIED

46023 MOVED by Director Gay Land Dev. Readiness/ SECONDED by Alternate Director Webster Marketing Workshop THAT the Electoral Area Directors be authorized to attend the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training – Land Development Readiness and Marketing Workshop held on February 29, 2016 in Canal Flats with the expenses paid from Electoral Area Administration. CARRIED

46024 MOVED by Alternate Director Webster Elko Water Utility SECONDED by Director Gay Advisory Comm. THAT in accordance with Bylaw No. 1783, the Elko Water Utility Advisory Commission be established. CARRIED

46025 MOVED by Director Wilkie Spur Valley Utility SECONDED by Alternate Director Wilder Advisory Comm. THAT in accordance with Bylaw No. 1783, the Spur Valley Water Utility Advisory Commission be established. CARRIED

46026 MOVED by Director Wilkie Spur Valley Utility SECONDED by Alternate Director Wilder Advisory Comm. THAT Rob Dickson, Bruce Kaufman, Tom MacRae and Brett Redpath be appointed as members of the Spur Valley Water Utility Advisory Commission for a two year term. CARRIED

46027 MOVED by Director Gay Community Works SECONDED by Alternate Director Webster Fund – FlexiNET THAT $48,090 be approved for payment from the Community Works Fund for the FlexiNET Broadband Inc. project to improve high speed internet service in the East Kootenay; and further, that a partnering agreement be negotiated with the Columbia Basin Broadband Corporation and FlexiNET to provide the funding through the Electoral Area B, C, E, and F Economic Development services. CARRIED

46028 MOVED by Director Walter APC/EAAC Vehicle SECONDED by Alternate Director Wilder Expense Policy THAT the Advisory Planning Commission / Electoral Area Advisory Commission Vehicle Travel Expense Policy as outlined in the January 29, 2016 report from the Corporate Officer, be adopted. CARRIED

RDEK BOARD MEETING February 12, 2016 MINUTES PAGE 10

ELECTORAL AREA SERVICES COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS (continued)

46029 MOVED by Director Gay BC Hydro Payments SECONDED by Director Walter in Lieu of Taxes THAT for 2016, $15,000 of the BC Hydro payments in lieu of taxes for the Aberfeldie Dam be allocated to Regional Parks, for Wycliffe Park and Wycliffe Exhibition Grounds, and the remainder be allocated to Electoral Area C Economic Development. CARRIED

46030 MOVED by Alternate Director Wilder Windermere Water SECONDED by Director Walter Reservoir Project THAT the Windermere Water Reservoir Project remaining funds not be allocated to Pressure Reducing Valve remote monitoring instrumentation and that the Engineering Services contract with WSP Canada Ltd. not be amended to included PRV remote monitoring instrumentation; and further, that the Engineering Services contract with WSP Canada Ltd. for the Windermere Reservoir be amended to include secondary chlorination. CARRIED

46031 MOVED by Director Walter Access Guardian SECONDED by Alternate Director Webster Program THAT the Chair and CAO be authorized to sign the agreement amendment with the BC Conservation Officer Service for the Access Guardian Program to extend the term to December 31, 2020. CARRIED

46032 MOVED by Alternate Director Wilder Bylaw 2682 SECONDED by Director Walter Introduction THAT Bylaw No. 2682 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Windermere Community Water System Regulation and Fee Bylaw No. 1627, 2002 – Amendment Bylaw No. 4, 2016” be introduced for first reading. CARRIED

CENTRAL SERVICES COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

46033 MOVED by Director Pratt Urban Deer SECONDED by Director Walter Feeding Station THAT permission be granted to the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations, the City of Kimberley, and their contractors, to establish a feeding station at the old Kimberley Landfill in order to conduct an urban deer translocation trial. CARRIED

ELK VALLEY SERVICES COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

46034 MOVED by Director Sosnowski Elk Valley Solid SECONDED by Director Giuliano Waste Budget THAT $10,000 be included in the Elk Valley Solid Waste budget for diversion of TVs and other approved items. CARRIED

RDEK BOARD MEETING February 12, 2016 MINUTES PAGE 11

BYLAWS

46035 MOVED by Director Sosnowski Bylaw 2560 SECONDED by Director Walter Adopted THAT Bylaw No. 2560 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Moyie & Area Land Use Bylaw No. 2070, 2008 – Amendment Bylaw No. 8, 2014 (Miscellaneous / RDEK)” be adopted. CARRIED

46036 MOVED by Alternate Director Graham Bylaw 2577 SECONDED by Director McCormick Adopted THAT Bylaw No. 2577 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Cranbrook Rural Zoning Bylaw No. 1402, 2001 – Amendment Bylaw No. 34, 2014 (Miscellaneous / RDEK)” be adopted. CARRIED

46037 MOVED by Director Giuliano Bylaw 2585 & 2586 SECONDED by Director Sosnowski PH Report THAT the Public Hearing Report for Bylaw No. 2585 and Bylaw No. 2586, as submitted by Director Mike Sosnowski, be accepted. CARRIED

46038 MOVED by Director Sosnowski Bylaw 2585 SECONDED by Director Giuliano Third Reading THAT Bylaw No. 2585 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Fernie Alpine Resort Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2363, 2012 – Amendment Bylaw No. 2, 2014 (Fernie Ski Hill Road / RCR)” be read a third time. CARRIED

46039 MOVED by Director Giuliano Bylaw 2585 SECONDED by Director Sosnowski Adopted THAT Bylaw No. 2585 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Fernie Alpine Resort Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2363, 2012 – Amendment Bylaw No. 2, 2014 (Fernie Ski Hill Road / RCR)” be adopted. CARRIED

46040 MOVED by Director Giuliano Bylaw 2586 SECONDED by Director Sosnowski Third Reading THAT Bylaw No. 2586 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Elk Valley Zoning Bylaw No. 829, 1990 – Amendment Bylaw No. 71, 2014 (Fernie Ski Hill Road / RCR)” be read a third time. CARRIED

46041 MOVED by Director Giuliano Bylaw 2586 SECONDED by Director Sosnowski Adopted THAT Bylaw No. 2586 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Elk Valley Zoning Bylaw No. 829, 1990 – Amendment Bylaw No. 71, 2014 (Fernie Ski Hill Road / RCR)” be adopted. CARRIED

46042 MOVED by Director Walter Bylaw 2620 SECONDED by Director Wilkie Adopted THAT Bylaw No. 2620 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Cranbrook Rural Zoning Bylaw No. 1402, 2001 – Amendment Bylaw No. 37, 2015 (Density Averaging / RDEK)” be adopted. CARRIED

RDEK BOARD MEETING February 12, 2016 MINUTES PAGE 12

BYLAWS (continued)

46043 MOVED by Director Walter Bylaw 2621 SECONDED by Director Taft Adopted THAT Bylaw No. 2621 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Wycliffe Zoning & Floodplain Management Bylaw No. 2256, 2010 – Amendment Bylaw No. 8, 2015 (Density Averaging / RDEK)” be adopted. CARRIED

46044 MOVED by Director Walter Bylaw 2624 SECONDED by Director Sosnowski Adopted THAT Bylaw No. 2624 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Moyie & Area Land Use Bylaw No. 2070, 2008 – Amendment Bylaw No. 9, 2015 (Density Averaging / RDEK)” be adopted. CARRIED

46045 MOVED by Alternate Director Webster Bylaw 2629 SECONDED by Director McDougall Adopted THAT Bylaw No. 2629 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Jaffray, Tie Lake, Rosen Lake Land Use and Floodplain Management Bylaw No. 1414, 1999 – Amendment Bylaw No. 25, 2015 (Highway 3/93 / Lightburn)” be adopted. CARRIED

46046 MOVED by Director McCormick Bylaw 2652 SECONDED by Director Walter PH Report THAT the Public Hearing Report for Bylaw No. 2652, as submitted by Director Don McCormick, be accepted. CARRIED

46047 MOVED by Director Walter Bylaw 2652 SECONDED by Director Taft Third Reading THAT Bylaw No. 2652 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Electoral Area E Zoning and Floodplain Management Bylaw No. 2502, 2014 – Amendment Bylaw No. 9, 2015 (Wasa / Ford)” be read a third time. CARRIED

46048 MOVED by Director Walter Bylaw 2652 SECONDED by Director Taft Adopted THAT Bylaw No. 2652 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Electoral Area E Zoning and Floodplain Management Bylaw No. 2502, 2014 – Amendment Bylaw No. 9, 2015 (Wasa / Ford)” be adopted. CARRIED

46049 MOVED by Director Walter Bylaw 2653 SECONDED by Director Sosnowski Adopted THAT Bylaw No. 2653 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Wycliffe Zoning & Floodplain Management Bylaw No. 2256, 2010 – Amendment Bylaw No. 10, 2015 (Miscellaneous / RDEK)” be adopted. CARRIED

46050 MOVED by Director Walter Bylaw 2663 & 2664 SECONDED by Director McKerracher PH Report THAT the Public Hearing Report for Bylaw No. 2663 and Bylaw No. 2664, as submitted by Director Rob Gay, be accepted. CARRIED

RDEK BOARD MEETING February 12, 2016 MINUTES PAGE 13

BYLAWS (continued)

46051 MOVED by Director Pratt Bylaw 2663 SECONDED by Director Sosnowski Third Reading THAT Bylaw No. 2663 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Rockyview Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2255, 2010 – Amendment Bylaw No. 15, 2015 (New Lake Rd. / Wilson)” be read a third time. CARRIED

46052 MOVED by Director Pratt Bylaw 2663 SECONDED by Director Sosnowski Adopted THAT Bylaw No. 2663 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Rockyview Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2255, 2010 – Amendment Bylaw No. 15, 2015 (New Lake Rd. / Wilson)” be adopted. CARRIED

46053 MOVED by Director Pratt Bylaw 2664 SECONDED by Director Walter Third Reading THAT Bylaw No. 2664 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Cranbrook Rural Zoning Bylaw No. 1402, 2001 – Amendment Bylaw No. 38, 2015 (New Lake Rd. / Wilson)” be read a third time. CARRIED

46054 MOVED by Director Pratt Bylaw 2664 SECONDED by Director Walter Adopted THAT Bylaw No. 2664 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Cranbrook Rural Zoning Bylaw No. 1402, 2001 – Amendment Bylaw No. 38, 2015 (New Lake Rd. / Wilson)” be adopted. CARRIED

46055 MOVED by Director Pratt Bylaw 2668 SECONDED by Director Walter Two Readings THAT Bylaw No. 2668 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Rockyview Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2255, 2010 – Amendment Bylaw No. 16, 2015 (Cranbrook South / Pelton)” be read a first and second time. CARRIED

46056 MOVED by Director Pratt Bylaw 2669 SECONDED by Director Walter Two Readings THAT Bylaw No. 2669 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Cranbrook Rural Zoning Bylaw No. 1402, 2001 – Amendment Bylaw No. 39, 2015 (Cranbrook South / Pelton)” be read a first and second time. CARRIED

46057 MOVED by Director Pratt Bylaw 2668 & 2669 SECONDED by Director Walter Public Hearing THAT a public hearing be held regarding Bylaw No. 2668 and Bylaw No. 2669 and the hearing be delegated to: Director Rob Gay, Electoral Area C Director Lee Pratt, City of Cranbrook Director Tom Shypitka, City of Cranbrook CARRIED The date for the public hearing for Bylaws No. 2668 & No. 2669 is 7:00 pm on Thursday, February 25, 2016 in the RDEK Board Room.

RDEK BOARD MEETING February 12, 2016 MINUTES PAGE 14

BYLAWS (continued)

46058 MOVED by Director Walter Bylaw 2679 SECONDED by Director Sosnowski Three Readings THAT Bylaw No. 2679 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Advisory Planning Commission Bylaw No. 2679, 2016” be read a first, second and third time. CARRIED

46059 MOVED by Director Walter Bylaw 2679 SECONDED by Alternate Director Webster Adopted THAT Bylaw No. 2679 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Advisory Planning Commission Bylaw No. 2679, 2016” be adopted. CARRIED

46060 MOVED by Director Sosnowski Bylaw 2680 SECONDED by Alternate Director Webster Three Readings THAT Bylaw No. 2680 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Electoral Area Advisory Commissions Bylaw No. 2680, 2016” be read a first, second and third time. CARRIED

46061 MOVED by Director Sosnowski Bylaw 2680 SECONDED by Director Walter Adopted THAT Bylaw No. 2680 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Electoral Area Advisory Commissions Bylaw No. 2680, 2016” be adopted. CARRIED

46062 MOVED by Director Juras Bylaw 2681 SECONDED by Director Taft Three Readings THAT Bylaw No. 2681 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Security Issuing Bylaw No. 2681, 2016” be read a first, second and third time. CARRIED

46063 MOVED by Director Juras Bylaw 2681 SECONDED by Alternate Director Webster Adopted THAT Bylaw No. 2681 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Security Issuing Bylaw No. 2681, 2016” be adopted. CARRIED

46064 MOVED by Alternate Director Wilder Bylaw 2682 SECONDED by Director McKerracher Three Readings THAT Bylaw No. 2682 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Windermere Community Water System Regulation and Fee Bylaw No. 1627, 2002 – Amendment Bylaw No. 4, 2016” be read a first, second and third time. CARRIED

46065 MOVED by Alternate Director Wilder Bylaw 2682 SECONDED by Director McKerracher Adopted THAT Bylaw No. 2682 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Windermere Community Water System Regulation and Fee Bylaw No. 1627, 2002 – Amendment Bylaw No. 4, 2016” be adopted. CARRIED

RDEK BOARD MEETING February 12, 2016 MINUTES PAGE 15

BYLAWS (continued)

46066 MOVED by Director Walter Bylaw 2685 SECONDED by Director McDougall Three Readings THAT Bylaw No. 2685 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Delegation Bylaw No. 2384, 2012 – Amendment Bylaw No. 4, 2016” be read a first, second and third time. CARRIED

46067 MOVED by Alternate Director Graham Bylaw 2685 SECONDED by Director Sosnowski Adopted THAT Bylaw No. 2685 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Delegation Bylaw No. 2384, 2012 – Amendment Bylaw No. 4, 2016” be adopted. CARRIED

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 11:01 am.

CERTIFIED CORRECT

Chair Rob C. Gay Shannon Moskal, Corporate Officer

BC Conservation Officer Service

Access Management Compliance and Enforcement Program (AMCEP) 2015 Report

Compiled by Sgt. Conservation Officer Cam Schley May 15-Nov15, 2015

East Flathead AMA – Middle Pass

Introduction This is the 2015 final Access Management Compliance and Enforcement Program (AMCEP) Report for the 6 month period (May 15 to November15) completed by Sgt. Conservation Officer Schley. The AMCEP was developed in 2009, but did not have a set 5 year contract commitment until 2011; this is the fifth year of the contract. The priority for this program has been focusing and delivering on compliance and enforcement in the Regional District of East Kootenay’s (RDEK) Electoral Area “A” Access Management Areas (AMA’s) for the 6 month period. The BC Conservation Officer Service would like thank the RDEK, Columbia Basin Trust, other stakeholder groups and the Communities of Fernie, Sparwood and Elkford for funding this essential program and making it a provincially known success. The following summaries are some highlights from May 15, 2015 to November 15, 2015.

Summary The 2015 AMA period was significantly different than the past number of years. Conservation Officer (CO) Burley, the dedicated CO to the RDEK AMA program went on light (office) duties and then maternity leave for the total length of the 2015 program year. This resulted in other CO’s in the East Kootenay zone (6 officers) needing to prioritize RDEK Area “A” AMA’s, at expense of other services that the East Kootenay CO’s have traditionally focused on during the spring, summer and fall months. The CO’s in Cranbrook and Fernie focused enforcement efforts on AMA’s, angling efforts on classified waters, campfire ban patrols and hunting patrols. CO’s time was also significantly taxed addressing human wildlife conflicts (bears and cougars) from mid- August to early October with over 60 bears dealt with in that period. In addition, there were 3 grizzly bear attacks in a period of 12 days during this time that also significantly impacted CO’s workload.

Despite these pressures, Fernie and Cranbrook CO’s met the allotted field time as part of the RDEK AMA agreement. However, not having a dedicated CO (i.e. CO Burley) to the AMA program this season left a noticeable hole in the delivery of the program particularly in the outreach portion. It was obvious that CO Burley brings a significant presence to the RDEK AMA program and the program did not function as effortlessly as it has when CO Burley has been dedicated to it.

In a year over year comparison (2014 vs. 2015), AMA charges were down 35%, non-AMA charges were up 18%, hours spent in AMA’s were up 18% and hours spent doing AMA outreach and education were down 45%. A number of factors could be attributed to these statistics including: increased efforts by East Kootenay Zone CO’s on AMA enforcement, the lack of a dedicated CO to the RDEK program for 2015 (particularly evident for outreach efforts), increased compliance by some members of the public due to the extensive enforcement and educational efforts that have been made over the last few years, and inability of East Kootenay CO’s to be patrolling AMA’s at peak violation times because of bear attacks, human wildlife conflicts and campfire ban patrols.

Despite CO Burley being off on office duties and maternity leave in 2015, hours spent in AMA’s was up over 2014 (630 hrs in 2015 vs. 518.25 hrs in 2014) and a number of excellent enforcement AMA files were successfully completed by East Kootenay CO’s.

May to November 2015 An investigation from June in the East Flathead AMA was concluded in July resulting in two AMA warning tickets. Two men were involved in a Fernie Search and Rescue call out on June 20th for a lost person. The men said that they had driven their truck through Middle Pass from Alberta into BC. It was later found rolled off the Lodgepole Forest Service Road. The men are non-residents of BC, and are no longer in BC and due to difficulties in getting tickets served in a non-BC jurisdiction, warning tickets were forwarded to them.

Figure 1: Truck rolled off the Lodgepole FSR in June.

With the extremely hot and dry weather that BC received over May, June and July, a fire ban came into effect for July 3rd and remained in effect until August 30th. As a result, CO’s worked longer days in order to ensure compliance with camp fire bans. Despite the long days, CO’s still patrolled for anglers, AMA recreation users and dealt with problem wildlife. Campfire ban patrols enabled CO’s to be out at times not normally part of regular patrols. AMA violations were encountered during some of these late night patrols and enforcement action was taken on violators.

CO Garay and Sgt Schley patrolled the East Flathead on July 28th and 29th. While they patrolled the area they checked a number of anglers, ATV’ers and horseback riders. During these patrols they found that AMA signs were missing off the Airport Rd, Zipper Creek, Nettie Creek, Middle Pass and other closed branch roads. These AMA signs were all posted within the last year by Canfor and CO’s. People are deliberately ripping down AMA signs and shooting at the maps with firearms which is not only frustrating but illegal and wastes time and government money.

Figure 2: This group was encountered in the Flathead during an AMA patrol and were provided the Outdoor Access Guide and information on AMA’s discussed with CO Garay.

Figure 3: Shows Extensive ATV use within the East Flathead AMA at Middle Pass.

Over the August long weekend, CO Garay received a complaint regarding a large group of ATV'ers riding on the closed AMA trail to Barnes Lake. CO Garay responded and intercepted the group camped at the lake. He issued AMA violation tickets to each ATV operator and gave those 24hrs to be out of the area. The group said they have been riding the trail and camping there each summer for many years.

CO’s conducted several patrols in the Middle Pass area of the East Flathead AMA in response to extensive ATV abuse on this trail during August. Follow up investigations involving multiple jurisdictions continue in regards to this illegal activity as of the writing of this report.

$3,000 was raised from the Fernie Trails Alliance Society, the FLNRO Recreation sites and trail program, and the Sparwood Fish and Wildlife Club. This has resulted in 3,000 new Access Guides being printed in early September. These guides were distributed to various locations for public use.

Figure 4: Outdoor Access Guide for Electoral Area A; AMA and non-motorized hiking/Nordic trail maps.

Figure 5: Recent ATV use in the Middle Pass area of the East Flathead AMA.

With the temporary absence of CO Burley, CO’s from Fernie and Cranbrook shifted work priorities to help deliver the RDEK AMA program. Many patrols were made, but from mid-August to early October human wildlife conflicts (black and grizzly bear issues) had a significant impact on those officers’ ability to patrol AMA’s. As an illustration of this impact, CO’s from Cranbrook and Fernie responded to 3 grizzly bear attacks over a period of 12 days at the beginning of September.

In mid-September, a grizzly bear sow attacked a hunter in the Grave Prairie AMA. The hunter was able to walk out to a nearby road where he received transportation to the nearest hospital. The resulting response and investigation by the COS resulted in over 30 hours of officer time within the Grave Prairie AMA. This hasn’t been included in the year to date statistics below but shows the impact on resources when public safety priorities occur.

Figure 6: CO’s close area in Grave Prairie AMA due to a grizzly bear attack.

CO’s were able to make significant amounts of patrols in October and early November. AMA violations were encountered along with a wide range of hunting and fishing violations. An illegal camp that was established in early September was removed from the Wigwam Flats AMA in late October. Multiple tickets were issued on this file.

The 2011-2015 monthly AMCEP reports and yearly summaries are now available online for the public to read. They can been viewed on the following website: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/kootenay/eco/accessmaps.htm

All CO’s time have been added to the 2015 Excel spreadsheet when working on investigations, the Outdoor Access Guide, AMA Reports and field time.

The people in the East Kootenay’s have such a great opportunity to explore the beauty of the Rockies which provides a variety of recreational experiences. With CO Burley now off on maternity leave, if you have any questions or concerns about the AMA Report or questions you can contact Inspector Caravetta at:

RAPP 1-877-952-7277 [email protected]

The Conservation Officer Service is a public safety provider focussed on natural resource law enforcement and human wildlife conflicts prevention and response. Our Vision: To be a progressive and respected leader in environmental compliance and enforcement, shared stewardship and public safety. The Conservation Officer Service Motto is: Integrity, Service and Protection.

Please see the attached Excel 2015 Stats for more detail of the Access Guardian’s patrols and outreach efforts from May to November 2015.

2015 Results

Table 1: Overall results of the 2015 Access Program.

Total number of patrols and time spent within each AMA was recorded along with the number of persons contacted, number of charges, warnings and education delivered.

*Officer Presence Officer Action

Patrols Hours on Contacts **Persons Access Access Other Access Management Area Conducted Site Made Educated Warnings Charges Violations (AMA) Patrols Alexander Creek MU 4-23 19 77 56 44 0 2 4 Barnes Lake MU 4-23 3 16 32 17 0 5 0 Chauncey Todhunter MU 4-23 16 64.25 57 25 2 0 2 Corbin MU 4-23 6 15.5 12 6 0 0 0 East Flathead MU 4-01 16 170 133 86 3 0 4 Galton Range MU 4-02 10 38 166 0 0 0 4 Grave Prairie MU 4-23 39 108.25 213 89 0 3 7 Upper Elk Valley MU 4-23 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Upper Flathead MU 4-01 5 17.5 14 7 1 1 0 Upper Wigwam MU 4-02 3 12.5 6 2 0 0 0 Weigert Creek MU 4-23 6 24 10 2 0 0 0 Wigwam Flats MU 4-02 25 87 99 54 1 1 7 Total: 148 630 798 332 7 12 28

*It should be noted that Officer Presence is calculated as the time Officer(s) were physically present in an AMA and the outreach time provided for presentations, it does not account for travel to or from the areas.

**People that are educated are those defined as being encountered by a CO and discussing specific AMA facts and requirements for which the person in question was previously unaware. It should be noted that the AMCEP and general AMA facts are discussed with more than 80% of contacts.

Table 2: Overall outreach results provided to the public for the 2015 Access Program.

T ime Contacts **Persons Access Access Other Outreach & Non-AMA # of Events spent Made Educated Warnings Charges Violations Specific Activities (hrs) General Patrol 19 41 52 31 1 0 0 Attend Complaint 3 20.5 2 2 0 1 0 School Talk 1 2.5 32 32 0 0 0 Municipality Talk 4 9.25 70 70 0 0 0 Community Clubs 3 9 41 41 0 0 0 Committee Groups 4 18.75 81 49 0 0 0 Other Outreach 14 58 37 21 0 0 0

Total: 48 159 315 246 1 1 0

Table 3: Estimated time spent travelling to various AMAs.

Travel time calculated by multiplying travel distance by the number of patrols conducted. (ex: Alexander Creek: Travel distance (1) x Patrols (6) = 6 hrs. of travel time). This is time over and above time spent in the AMA

AMA Travel Distance Patrols Travel time (hrs) Alexander Creek 1 hr 19 19 Barnes Lake 1.5 hrs 3 4.5 Chauncey Todhunter 1.3 hrs 16 20.8 Corbin 0.67 hrs 6 4.02 East Flathead 2 hrs 16 32 Galton Range 1 hr 10 10 Grave Prairie 0.75 hrs 39 29.25 Upper Elk Valley 1.3 hrs 0 0 Upper Flathead 1 hr 5 5 Upper Wigwam 1 hr 3 3 Weigert Creek 0.83 hrs 6 4.98 Wigwam Flats 0.42 hrs 25 10.5 Total: 143.05

Table 4: Summary of 2015 statistics.

Filtered numbers are for the months of Aug-Dec.

Statistics Total Filtered Officer Time 789 382.5 Contacts 1113 566 Access Charges 13 9 Other Violations 28 15 Warnings 8 6 Educated 578 103

• Tables #3 and #4 include the time spent on the preparation of the slide show presentation, Outdoor Access Guide, follow up paper work, media articles, brochures, enforcement investigation time and phone conversations with questions regarding AMA’s.

• Some AMA’s are patrolled more than others. The reason for this is that the CO’s respond to the area’s with the most complaints and non-compliance. When time permits CO’s tried to patrol area’s that are remote and haven’t been checked for some time.

• The COS conducted 148 patrols within the Electoral Area “A” AMAs. These patrols did not only include the Access Guardian, but other CO’s from around the East Kootenay Zone and elsewhere in the Province.

• Officers spent 630 hours within the AMA boundaries alone. The travel time on top of that was 143.05 hours to get to and from the AMAs. An additional 159 hours were spent providing education to the public and follow up time on investigations. Patrols that took place within the AMA’s were by truck, ATV, snowmobile or foot.

• A total of approximately 932.05 hours were committed to the AMCEP.

• The public had reported many AMA activity/violation reports to the COS, which takes additional time to investigate. In 2015 a total of 29 AMA files were investigated by the East Kootenay CO’s in Electoral Area A. These violations involve the illegal vehicle operation within the closed boundaries of an AMA.

• Other violations that were found while in the AMA’s were; loaded firearms, improper documentation (hunting licences), hunting out of season, fishing during closed time, illegal possession of wildlife/fish, hunting/fishing without a licence, illegal guiding, fishing with prohibited gear/bait etc.

• Most Long Weekends were worked for 2015: July, August, September and October.

Recommendations

The Conservation Officers have the following recommendations:

• Old faded signs at a number of these access closures need to be updated and/or replaced. • That the Barnes Lake access road be deactivated from the creek crossing (located at the present start of the access closure) towards the lake to stop ATV access from crossing the creek and proceeding along the road closure to the Lake – Sparwood Rod and Gun club has expressed interested in undertaking this. • The gates across some of the closed roads that were destroyed (2 gates at Grave Prairie, north gate on upper wigwam closure, East draw Ewin creek) need to be fixed or replaced. Also as previously suggested any newly planned gates should be located as close to active open roads as possible to discourage the public from damaging the gates. The thought here is if the gates are located where the general public regularly goes by them, it might be more of a deterrence to not destroy the gate if there is a chance the public may see someone doing such and report them. • The Weigert Creek trail/road beyond the legal closure should be deactivated to stop ATV access that leads up into the alpine. • The alpine area of middle pass creek road on the BC side of the divide be deactivated to prevent ATV and vehicle access from entering BC from Alberta • Outreach and education presentations need to be increased in the upcoming year

Maps

To reduce this document size, AMA maps have not been included in this report. If required, maps of individual AMAs are available from two sources, the Ministry of Environment website: www.env.gov.bc.ca/kootenay/eco/accessmaps.htm and the Hunting Regulations Synopsis. The hunting synopsis is available in print and online: www.env.gov.bc.ca/fw/wildlife/hunting/regulations/ the maps available from the MOE website are in colour and contain much greater detail.

As per the Letter of Agreement, the COS provided monthly AMCEP Reports to the RDEK for review. The monthly and final reports from May to November 2012-2015 are now available for the public to view and read at the following website: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/kootenay/eco/accessmaps.htm

Contact Information

Questions and concern about this report can be forwarded to the COS at the following: RAPP 1-877-952-7277

Chart and Summary from 2011-2015

Table 5: Summary of statistics of the AMCEP results from 2011 to 2015

2011 (Aug - Oct) 2012 2013 2014 2015 Patrols Conducted 65 123 146 170 148 Number of Events 5 32 82 92 48 Hours on Site 258.06 524.5 549 518.5 630 Hours on Events (presentations + investigative time) 7 110.25 284.75 290.5 159 People Educated 61 951 1408 1451 578 Contacts Made 441 1308 1717 1544 1113 Access Warning Tickets 11 24 32 40 8 Access Violation Tickets 6 7 15 20 13 Other Violation Tickets 8 42 31 23 28 Travel Time (to/from AMA) 62.13 132.93 135.64 153.64 143.05

4-YEAR PROGRESS www.bcjobsplan.ca UPDATE

“We are now seeing the benefits of the BC Jobs Plan… B.C.’s economy is diverse, strong and growing.”

– Honourable Christy Clark Premier of British Columbia Premier’s Message Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan was launched four years ago to help diversify and grow our economy and support long-term job creation in the province. We are now seeing the benefits of this effort; B.C.’s economy is diverse, strong and growing. Today, more British Columbians are working than ever before, and our economic performance is reaching record levels. While growth has slowed in much of the rest of Canada, B.C. is expected to lead the country in economic growth over the next two years. The prosperity we are seeing is a product of the actions and commitments that were initiated in the BC Jobs Plan.

HONOURABLE CHRISTY CLARK Together with industry, our government has actioned numerous commitments to enable job cre- PREMIER OF BRITISH COLUMBIA ation, expand markets for B.C.’s goods and services, and strengthen B.C.’s infrastructure to facilitate the movement of goods to market – while at the same time reducing red tape and other barriers for our key sectors. As the BC Jobs Plan has evolved over the past four years, the eight key sectors have grown together and yielded new opportunities to fuel significant growth of B.C.’s economy.

Minister/Parliamentary Secretary’s Message Since its launch in September 2011, the BC Jobs Plan has achieved and surpassed much of what it set out to do. The last four years have seen the development and expansion of new mines; an expanded agrifoods sector; significant investments in transportation infrastructure to facilitate the movement of goods to new and expanding markets; a burgeoning technology sector; substantial increase of international students studying in B.C.; and continued growth of our vibrant tourism sector. The BC Jobs Plan is having a real and positive impact on citizens and businesses in B.C. This impact is evident through the many Job Makers who invest in our province, create job opportun- HONOURABLE SHIRLEY BOND MINISTER OF JOBS, TOURISM AND ities and help to grow our economy. We profile the successes of these Job Makers to highlight SKILLS TRAINING AND MINISTER RESPONSIBLE that, while government develops and implements the necessary conditions for economic pros- FOR LABOUR perity, such as responsible fiscal plans and competitive tax and policy frameworks, it is people and businesses that create jobs and economic growth here in B.C. The BC Jobs Plan was designed as a living economic strategy that allowed for responsiveness to seize new opportunities. Last year, we expanded the BC Jobs Plan to include four priority cross-sectors. The 4-Year Progress Update is an opportunity to highlight a few areas of the economy that are showing great potential including: the Apparel Sector; Film, Television and Digital Media Production; the Craft Beer Industry; and Financial Services. This year, on a trial basis, we With Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan we are growing the economy, are also shining the spotlight on the Vancouver Island / Coast region to look at the BC Jobs Plan building on our strengths, and making them our competitive advantage achievements through a regional lens. in the global economy. We are focusing on eight key sectors that will This 4-Year Progress Update lets us reflect and be proud of our accomplishments and the momen- help us expand markets, strengthen our infrastructure and create GREG KYLLO tum that has been generated to diversify, strengthen and grow our economy; it also lets us look jobs: Agrifoods, Forestry, Mining, Natural Gas, International Education, PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY ahead to see how the BC Jobs Plan will continue to drive diversity and growth in the province in FOR THE BC JOBS PLAN years to come. Transportation, Tourism and Technology. We are also building on four cross-sector areas of the economy: Aboriginal Peoples and First Nations, International Trade, Manufacturing and Small Business. To find out more, go to: www.BCJobsPlan.ca Premier’s Message Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan was launched four years ago to help diversify and grow our economy and support long-term job creation in the province. We are now seeing the benefits of this effort; B.C.’s economy is diverse, strong and growing. Today, more British Columbians are working than ever before, and our economic performance is reaching record levels. While growth has slowed in much of the rest of Canada, B.C. is expected to lead the country in economic growth over the next two years. The prosperity we are seeing is a product of the actions and commitments that were initiated in the BC Jobs Plan.

“We are now seeing the benefits of the BC Jobs Plan… B.C.’s economy is diverse, strong and growing.”

– Honourable Christy Clark Premier of British Columbia  CANADA STARTS HERE: THE BC JOBS PLAN YEAR PROGRESS UPDATE

Keeping B.C.’s economy diverse, strong and growing THE BC JOBS PLAN BUILDS ON THE STRENGTHS OF OUR KEY SECTORS, OUR EDUCATED AND SKILLED WORKFORCE, AND THE FISCAL DISCIPLINE OF OUR GOVERNMENT, giving British Columbia a unique competitive advantage in Canada and internationally. The BC Jobs Plan was launched four years ago with the aim to grow and diversify our economy and to create jobs; we’re now seeing the results of these efforts. This diversity is evident in… …our broad-based economy and the markets it serves which are competitive advantages for the Province. Our diversified economy is the envy of the rest of Canada; while economic growth is slowing and stalling elsewhere in the country, B.C. is set to be among the provincial leaders in growth over the next two years. …the wealth of opportunities for citizens and business as our strong economy continues to grow. Over the next 10 years we’re expecting up to one million job openings in the province; we’ve delivered on the Skills for Jobs Blueprint that is preparing B.C. for these opportunities. …our population and labour force that help support and drive our vibrant economy making B.C. the place to be. Our diversity of language, culture, and experience enhances B.C.’s competitive advantage: People are moving here from other provinces and from other parts of the world because B.C. is full of opportunities. The BC Jobs Plan is working: B.C.’s economy is growing and adding jobs.

}}ECONOMIC GROWTH þþSince 2011, the Provincial economy, as measured by Gross Domestic Product, increased by $16.5 billion or eight per cent. þþIn 2014, B.C. ranked second among provinces for economic growth: our economy expanded by $7 billion or 3.2 per cent. }}EMPLOYMENT þþThe Province has added more than 126,000 jobs since the launch of the BC Jobs Plan in September 2011. þþB.C.’s unemployment rate is one of the lowest in the country. þþWe have a record 2.3 million British Columbians at work. }}GOODS EXPORTS þþIn 2014, international commodity exports from B.C. were valued at $35.8 billion, a record level of exports. þþManufactured goods accounted for over 64 per cent, or $22.8 billion, of the total value of exports. þþB.C.’s exports have increased by 9.5 per cent since 2011. þþB.C.’s exports have increased by over 42 per cent since the economic downturn of 2009. CANADA STARTS HERE: THE BC JOBS PLAN

Spotlight on a Growing and Diversified Economy THE BC JOBS PLAN IS POSITIONING B.C. FOR LONG TERM SUCCESS. From its inception, the BC Jobs Plan has been a living strategy, one that is responsive and evolves to seize new opportunities. The BC Jobs Plan was built on the foundation of eight key sectors of the economy: Agrifoods; Forestry; International Education; Mining and Energy; Natural Gas; Technology and Green Economy; Tourism; and Transportation. In the 3-Year Update we added four priority cross-sectors: Small Business, International Trade, Manufacturing, and Aboriginal Peoples and First Nations. In the 4-Year update we’ve added a regional perspective with a spotlight on Vancouver Island / Coast as a pilot effort to assess the impact of the BC Jobs Plan on regional economic development. We are also OVER .taking the million opportunity to focus on a few industries that show great potential and will help to further diversify our economy:people the apparel working sector; film, television and media production; the craft beer industry; and, the financial services industry. ,in B.C. jobs growth between Aug  and Nov 

$  $. Economic BILLION Growth BILLION Economic , Value of Proposed inProjects B.C. Highlights jobs growth between Aug  and Nov  $ 

OVER million 

. $  . Economic BILLION people working $ Major Projects  Growth Under Construction BILLION Economic. Expansion  in B.C. in B.C. BILLION

B.C. Goods Exports $ $. . BILLION BILLION Value of Proposed Projects $ Major Projects . Under Construction BILLION  $ B.C. Goods Exports

 .BILLION $ BILLION Economic Expansion . 4-YEAR PROGRESS UPDATE

Apparel Sector: Clustered for Growth British Columbia’s apparel sector comprises designing, manufacturing and retailing clothing and footwear, reaching markets around the world through OVER well-known brands like Arc’teryx, lululemon athletica, Aritzia and Mountain Equipment Co-op. B.C. has the fourth largest apparel sector in North America  with 600 businesses, generating 7,000 jobs in the province, 14,000 jobs globally apparel businesses in B.C. and shipping $3 billion in goods to over 50 countries. The province is also home GENERATING to a number of small, innovative apparel companies that are enhancing B.C.’s reputation as an apparel powerhouse that not only designs and employs locally, , but exports globally. JOBS The B.C. apparel sector is poised for strong growth over the next decade, with the potential to almost double current levels of employment. The sector faces a few specific challenges including: attracting key executive and technical talent; ensuring technical skills such as industrial design and textile science $ GOODS GOING are available; developing an integrated supply chain with more local links; and TO OVER BILLION COUNTRIES building on B.C.’s global brand. 50 The Province is taking action through the Skills for Jobs Blueprint to re-engineer the education system to ensure education and training align with B.C. jobs, and through HQ Vancouver to attract more international design houses and suppliers to B.C.

Job Maker: In August 2013 Amanda Penner began making leather moccasins as baby gifts for friends, using leftover scraps from leather wallets her husband Jeff made for the groomsmen at their wedding. Less than two years later the Penners have more than 100 retailers selling Minimoc Moccasins, and have grown from selling 100 pairs of moccasins a month to thousands via their website. The Minimoc brand focusses on quality and ethically sourced materials. The Penners only work with suppliers who have relationships with reputable tanneries that treat their workers well. Last September the business moved from their home to a 2,000 square foot warehouse in Abbotsford. They have plenty of room to cut leather, sew moccasins and ship orders to a customer base that includes Hong Kong, Greece and Ireland. Minimoc continues to expand, and the Penners recently introduced a clothing line. Minimoc has six full time and four part time employees, and on average they are hiring two employees every three months. CANADA STARTS HERE: THE BC JOBS PLAN

Producing Results: Film, Television and Digital Media Our thriving film, television, and digital media sector includes everything from writing, casting, production, post-production, and distribution of films, to animation and visual effects, social media, interactive marketing and e-learning. Our talented workforce, world-class infrastructure, competitive tax credits and diverse, spectacular locations continue to attract producers confident they can get what they want on time and on budget in British Columbia. British Columbia is a key player in the film and TV production industry, having attracted notable motion pictures such as Edge of Tomorrow, Iron Man 3, Superman, Tomorrowland, and Deadpool, the eighth instalment in the “X-Men” franchise starring Vancouver-born Ryan Reynolds. B.C. is also home to popular TV productions such as Arrow, The Flash, Cedar Cove, Job Maker: Encore, a Deluxe Entertainment Mistresses and the long-running Supernatural. Services Group company, specializes in post- British Columbia’s film, television, and digital media sector is production and visual effects (VFX) and delivers producing economic results: customized, quality services for episodic television. Motion picture industry production spending exceeded Armed with a powerful technical infrastructure $2 billion in 2014/15, supporting an estimated 20,000 jobs. and production-proven expertise, their talented Studios specializing in post-production, animation and visual creative teams deliver colour management, editing, effects for motion pictures continue to flourish, accounting for dailies, and VFX for deadline-driven shows, while approximately $200 million in expenditures, each year for the remaining agile enough to anticipate and respond last two years, in B.C. to the evolving needs of studio partners. An TV productions spent over $900 million on labour services in B.C. entertainment industry leader since 1985, they in 2014/15, generating an estimated 20,000 jobs. artfully bring the most imaginative creative visions Digital media generates annual revenues of $1.2 billion in to life, and have been recognized with Emmy B.C., with 900 companies employing 14,000 people. While the industry includes large international players, most digital and Visual Effects Society Awards. Their extensive media companies in B.C. are actually small, privately-owned network of offices spans New York, London and businesses. Vancouver to ensure clients have timely access to The Province has taken action to support the growth of outstanding local support, regardless of where this exciting sector by creating the Digital Animation or Visual production takes place. Effects (DAVE) tax credit and expanding it in Budget 2015 to include post-production activities. The Province has also opened a B.C. Film and Television Office in Los Angeles to further enhance the industry’s market presence and facilitate new north-south opportunities. 4-YEAR PROGRESS UPDATE

Craft Beer in B.C.: Brewing Economic Activity since 1982 OVER British Columbia is the birthplace of Craft Beer in Canada. In 1982, John Mitchell started Horseshoe Bay Brewing, Canada’s first craft brewery. From those first early  pints, B.C.’s Craft Beer community has grown to over 100 breweries throughout breweries the province. The Craft Beer industry in B.C. has seen exponential growth over in B.C. the past few years with Craft Beer sales alone almost tripling in the last five years. EMPLOYING OVER Currently the industry employs over 2,500 people, with an additional 1,500 working in brewpubs owned by craft brewers. The Craft Beer industry continues , creating unique products, generating local jobs and stimulating economic PEOPLE growth as the industry expands and diversifies. Craft beer sales have The Province has taken action to support this vibrant, growth industry by tripled in the last ﬁve years, implementing liquor reforms to cut red tape and remove barriers to growth. totalling Modernizing legislation has impacted every aspect of the Craft Brewing industry, $ from distribution and licensing to wholesale pricing. 205 million in 2014

Job Maker: Brewing is a family affair at the Moon Under Water Pub & Brewery in Victoria: Clay Potter brews the beer; his mom does the books; and friends and family help when they can. Together they brought a struggling local brewpub in Victoria back from the brink, tripling sales in its first three years. Clay started out studying biochemistry at UVic; he did a co-op at a local brewery while he was a student. Fast forward just a few years and now he’s a respected award-winning brewmaster with a pub of his own and 32 employees. Clay`s education and work experience gave him a detailed understanding of the brewing process enabling him to grow his business and contribute to the local economy. As well, his UVic science degree is extremely valuable: “A lot of breweries hire microbiologists. I’m able to do my own testing. I know the best ingredients. I know what to look for.” CANADA STARTS HERE: THE BC JOBS PLAN

Financial Services While B.C. is often characterized as a resource-based province, the reality is that our economy is largely based on services: Four of every five jobs and over 75 per cent of our GDP are based in the services sector. This is in part reflected in the BC Jobs Plan where several of the sectors are service-based: International Education, Technology and Green Economy, Tourism, and Transportation. Looking beyond the BC Jobs Plan sectors, one industry that is taking on increased prominence is financial services. The financial services industry including banks, credit unions, insurance carriers and securities and commodity exchanges, makes-up six per cent of B.C.’s economy, accounts for over $12 billion of GDP and employs almost 89,000 people in the province. Since 2011, the financial services industry has grown by over eight per cent. One unique aspect of B.C.’s financial services industry is the credit union system, which is the largest among Canada’s English-speaking provinces, and includes such known and respected institutions as Vancity and Coast Capital Savings. The majority of financial services activity is concentrated in the B.C. Lower Mainland. Financial services developed here as a critical business support for the mining and forestry sectors. Today, local financial services companies operate in global markets, leveraging Vancouver’s position as an international commercial gateway. Shared language and customs with our U.S. neighbours and our strong cultural ties to emerging Asian economies are critical assets for the global reach of B.C.’s financial services industry. The Province has taken action by expanding ties with more economic centres in Asia through market-specific strategies in our priority markets, attracting international head offices to our province, advancing our interests in new trade agreements and removing barriers that restricted trade opportunities for B.C. businesses. Further, the Province is undertaking a broad review of the Financial Institutions Act and the Credit Union Incorporation Act, seeking input from stakeholders and the public to ensure ongoing stability and confidence in the financial services sector.

Community Futures BC provides financing alternatives to small and medium enterprises when access to credit is a challenge to starting or growing their business. Unlike conventional banks, Community Futures BC uses different lending criteria, focusing on rural development and providing business financing to small local businesses. They also work in partnership with other business lenders, educational institutions, not-for-profits and community governments to grow and diversify the local economy. Community Futures BC is the only organization in the province with a mandate for small business and Job Maker: Don Reimer, CEO of community economic development: Their experts offer local assistance from D.R. Systems, currently employs 10 people creating land management 34 offices throughout B.C. software to improve the sustainability One of Community Futures BC’s success stories is D.R. Systems Inc. of Nanaimo, and profitability of natural resource operations. The company exports their a land-management software development company that offers consulting software products and consulting services services locally and internationally. to international markets including the US, South Africa, China, and South East Asia. 4-YEAR PROGRESS UPDATE

Why This Matters A STRONG, DIVERSE AND GROWING ECONOMY MEANS MORE OPPORTUNITY FOR EVERYONE. B.C.’s strong economic performance means that we have the capacity to invest in our Province – in health, education, and other social programs – to support our aging population, our youth as they study and train to enter the labour market, and to lift up those who are the most in need. These investments are not possible without fiscal discipline and economic prosperity. A few of the investments we have made as a result of our fiscal prudence and economic growth include: Since 2011, approximately $3 billion has been invested in health sector capital projects in British Columbia; by the end of 2018 this investment will double to $6 billion. Established the $1,200 B.C. Training and Education Savings Grant to encourage families in British Columbia to start planning and saving early for their children’s post-secondary education or training programs. B.C. is the first province to fully exempt child-support payments for families receiving income and disability assistance; this is expected to benefit about 5,400 children throughout the province, and is equivalent to$32 million for these families over the next three years. $ Introduced the Single Parent Employment Initiative to help eligible single MILLION new trades equipment parents receiving income and disability assistance to secure sustainable at  post-secondary schools employment. Launched the new B.C. Early Childhood Tax Benefit to improve the affordability Health Sector of child care and assist families with the cost of raising young children. Capital Projects $ Invested $12 million for new trades equipment at 14 public post-secondary  institutions so students planning to enter in-demand occupations learn their $ trade using industry-standard technology. SPENDING IN BILLIONS SINCE PROJECTED   $,

Training and Education Savings Grant for post-secondary or training programs  CANADA STARTS HERE: THE BC JOBS PLAN YEAR PROGRESS UPDATE

Signs of Success: BC Jobs Plan Targets IN 2011 THE BC JOBS PLAN SET OUT 19 ASPIRATIONAL TARGETS to drive the necessary actions by government to strengthen B.C.’s unique competitive advantages and better position the Province to capitalize on opportunities for long- term economic growth and job creation. We are seeing the success of this effort: B.C.’s diversified, strong and growing economy is the envy of the rest of Canada. Some of the progress we have made since the release of the BC Jobs Plan in 2011 includes: þþEmployment, exports and our Gross Domestic Product have reached record highs. þþMore than 126,000 jobs have been created, with all of this growth in full-time employment. þþB.C. has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country, trending well below the national average. þþB.C. ranked second in economic growth among provinces in 2014, and is expected to lead the country in economic growth in 2015 and 2016. þþMaintained net zero regulatory growth over the last four years and extended this commitment to 2019. þþIncreased the number of international students studying in B.C. by more than 20,000; in addition, over 10,000 international students are studying at 41 provincial offshore schools. þþPut in place over 100 new non-treaty agreements with B.C. First Nations to improve economic certainty in the province and further develop opportunities that benefit both British Columbia and First Nations. þþEight new mines have opened or are in construction phase, creating over 1,500 jobs; and seven expansions to existing major mines have been approved. þþSignificantly reduced permitting backlogs in the natural resources sector to facilitate economic growth. þþAttracted new international air carriers to expand trade and tourism opportunities for the province. þþInvested in transportation networks to more efficiently move goods and people in our province. þþExpanded supports for small businesses and created a ministry to focus on Red Tape Reduction for citizens and business in the province.

With Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan we are growing the economy, building on our strengths, and making them our competitive advantage in the global economy. We are focusing on eight key sectors that will help us expand markets, strengthen our infrastructure and create jobs: Agrifoods, Forestry, Mining, Natural Gas, International Education, Transportation, Tourism and Technology. We are also building on four cross-sector areas of the economy: Aboriginal Peoples and First Nations, International Trade, Manufacturing and Small Business. To ﬁ nd out more, go to: www.BCJobsPlan.ca 36 AGRIFOODS Sector Update YEAR PROGRESS UPDATE

Growing B.C. Agrifoods for the Global Marketplace BRITISH COLUMBIA’S AGRIFOODS SECTOR IS ONE OF THE MOST DIVERSE IN CANADA. It provides the province with a competitive advantage and a wide range of opportunities for growth and innovation in agriculture, commercial fishing, aquaculture and food and beverage processing. In 2014 the agrifoods sector generated almost $12.3 billion in total revenue, representing a 5.9 per cent increase from 2013. On its own, food and beverage manufacturing, the second largest manufacturing sector in the province, generated almost $8.5 billion in Job Maker: Tracy Lydiatt, owner of Great revenue. Bear Paleo Bites, bakes, packages and ships her gluten-free snacks from her Oliver Our agrifoods sector has more than 300 primary, high-quality food and seafood business to retailers across Western Canada. products. Responding to domestic and international demands, B.C. produces For more: www.BCJobsPlan.ca niche products such as ethnic and organic foods, herbal and botanical products and craft-brewed spirits. Sector Facts: }}BC JOBS PLAN – PROGRESS MADE Contributed þþThe $6 million Buy Local Program helps to diversify and strengthen the $ economic base of local communities. . billion to  þþThe recently announced seven-year $8.4 million Tree Fruit Replant the provincial economy Program commits to replanting approximately 1,600 acres of orchards $ with high-demand varieties.  þ Fresh B.C. cherry exports to China tripled over the two years of trial billion in þ exports to  markets shipments and in 2015 the sector gained full access to the China market. (increase of % since ) þþResidents of B.C., Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Nova Scotia can now buy wine from Canadian wineries and have it shipped directly to them. EXPORTS TO þþThe new Fish and Seafood Act provides a modern framework that builds CHINA on B.C.’s reputation as a source of sustainable and trusted seafood products, and improves operating conditions for B.C.’s seafood sector. +% since  SPOTLIGHT: }} MORE THAN B.C.’s varied agricultural production – We produce a wide variety of farm food and products throughout the province, including dairy, cattle, poultry, tree fruits, , beverage vegetables, berries, grapes, mushrooms, bulbs, ornamental flowers, and shrubs. manufacturing Global access – Our highly integrated transportation system makes it easy to operations access high-quality agriculture products and to ship fresh, value-added products worldwide.  new operations established in  36 AGRIFOODS Sector Update YEAR PROGRESS UPDATE

}}LOOKING AHEAD: Commodity Export Growth Develop a new B.C. Agrifoods and Seafood Strategic Growth Plan to guide  Exports Percent Increase OVER  growth in the industry and identify future opportunities. Cherries $ UP % Make recommendations to Cabinet on the Provincial aquaculture strategy to  MILLION  ensure that aquaculture operations are socially and ecologically sustainable and Baked Goods $ UP % can co-exist with B.C.’s wild fishery resource.  MILLION  Help the B.C. agriculture industry adapt to a changing climate and make Crab recommendations to Cabinet on the challenges and opportunities climate $ UP %  MILLION  change will have for B.C. agriculture. Building on achievements with Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Nova Scotia, continue to work across Canada to break down interprovincial trade barriers on Product Diversity B.C. wine and craft beer to create new markets for B.C. producers. Work with the provincial organic farming sector to require all products labelled “organic” be certified beginning October 2018 to give consumers greater certainty and to better market our locally produced organic foods. Develop a long-term Buy Local strategy, including a major agrifoods summit in 2016, to encourage British Columbians to purchase local agricultural products and develop long-term food supply security for the province. Work to implement the 25 per cent tax credit on the value of farmed food  Export Growth donated to non-profit organizations. in Key Markets }}WHY THIS MATTERS: USA $2.0B (+%) B.C.’s agrifoods sector competes in international markets where Canada is negotiating bilateral and multilateral agreements. With over 75 per cent of B.C. China $264M (+%) seafood destined for export, there is a strong focus on maintaining access and a competitive advantage in global markets. This requires the sector to respond Japan $199M (+%) quickly to changing market opportunities. A dynamic agrifoods sector responds to changes in supply and demand to embrace opportunities to produce new species and products and expand into new markets. A competitive, vibrant agrifoods sector builds on past successes and looks to Over identify and capitalize on opportunities to grow, while increasing productivity and profitability.  grape varieties A sustainable agrifoods sector increases certainty of access to safe, high-quality grown in B.C. locally-produced food, contributing to the long-term stability of the entire agrifoods supply chain and the jobs it generates.

With Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan we are growing the economy, building on our strengths, and making them our competitive advantage in the global economy. We are focusing on eight key sectors that will help us expand markets, strengthen our infrastructure and create jobs: Agrifoods, Forestry, Mining, Natural Gas, International Education, Transportation, Tourism and Technology. We are also building on four cross-sector areas of the economy: Aboriginal Peoples and First Nations, International Trade, Manufacturing and Small Business. To ﬁ nd out more, go to: www.BCJobsPlan.ca  FORESTRY Sector Update YEAR PROGRESS UPDATE

Diversifying B.C.’s Forestry Sector: Adding Value B.C.’S GLOBALLY RENOWNED FORESTRY SECTOR IS RECOGNIZED AS A SUSTAINABLE RENEWABLE RESOURCE INDUSTRY of diversified, value- added forestry products. While demand for B.C. lumber, pulp and paper in the U.S. remains strong, long-term markets for pulp and lumber in Asia are expanding. Forestry continues to be important to the social and economic well-being of many communities across B.C., supporting jobs in urban and rural areas and Architecture Green Michael of courtesy Rendering B.C. First Nations communities. Continued investment is creating efficiencies, Prince George’s six-storey Wood Innovation ensuring the forest industry’s continued competitiveness in world markets. and Design Centre showcases the beauty and diversity of value-added wood products. }}BC JOBS PLAN – PROGRESS MADE For more: www.BCJobsPlan.ca Since 2011, newly established fibre recovery tenures have increased þþ Sector Facts: the use of residual wood and improved access to fibre for bio-energy companies and wood pellet producers. The 2015 Forestry and Fibre MORE THAN Action Plan outlines additional measures to increase fibre utilization and generate more value from the Province’s forest resources. , þþForestry supports B.C. First Nations communities. The Province has signed forestry agreements with 177 First Nations since 2002, providing JOBS (over 15% increase since 2011) $382 million in revenue-sharing and providing access to 180 million cubic metres of timber, giving communities a stronger role in forest and billion land stewardship. $  contributed þþThe Province has increased the number of Community Forest Agreements to B.C.’s economy to 52 – twice as many as were operating in 2010, providing the rights to (a 9% increase since 2011) manage local forests that affect local communities. Forestry Sector Exports }}SPOTLIGHT: $ . The B.C. forest industry is the largest producer of softwood lumber in Canada. BILLION  B.C. continues to be a leader in sustainable forest management with more (a 24% increase since 2011) than 200 million tree seedlings planted annually, and more than 240 million seedlings planted in 2015. B.C.’s leadership in tall wood-frame construction standards allows for Sector buildings higher than six stories, including a proposed 18-storey building at $ 2014 Average the University of British Columbia. At 53 metres, it would be the world’s tallest , Weekly Earnings wooden building of its kind, built to a minimum LEED Gold certification. (28% higher than B.C. average)  FORESTRY Sector Update YEAR PROGRESS UPDATE

}}LOOKING AHEAD: FORESTRY Develop the Forest Sector Competitiveness Strategy to enhance opportunities and support job creation. Largest manufacturing Work with stakeholders to advance value-added wood opportunities, maximizing sector in B.C. the value derived from the province’s forest resources and creating jobs. Implement the BC Timber Sales Effectiveness Review, ensuring that the auction of Crown timber supports a globally competitive and sustainable forestry sector.

Lead the Canada-U.S. Softwood Lumber Agreement discussions with the OVER , companies federal government to support market access and growth for B.C. forest products province-wide in the U.S. Support initiatives to make B.C. a global centre of excellence in manufacturing innovative forest products while raising awareness of the environmental and technical merits of B.C. forest products. OVER  primary mills Continue supporting the use of wood in more innovative and complex structures employing over 24,000 people in B.C. in B.C. and abroad. Through the new Rural Dividend fund, allocate up to $75 million to be spent over three years to help rural communities with populations of less than 25,000 diversify their local economies.

OVER , people }}WHY THIS MATTERS: employed in manufacture of The B.C. forestry sector is a leader across several key areas that ensure a strong value-added wood products future driving economic growth and creating jobs: $ More land in British Columbia is certified by independent, and internationally B.C. leads in bio-energy recognized Sustainable Forest Management standards than any other jurisdiction in the world; production in North America The forest industry includes large B.C. based companies that are among the top 13 pellet plants forest companies in the world; supplying over B.C. is a leader in tall wood-frame construction standards and has more than 200 65% of current mid-sized wood-framed buildings; and Canadian capacity and wood pellet The forestry sector is experiencing increasing demand for bio-energy and residual fibre use. production The business sector demonstrates its confidence in the B.C. forest industry by Supporting continued investment: approximately 400 direct jobs Canfor is completing a $35 million upgrade to its Houston sawmill; and in rural B.C. Western Forest Products announced $30 million in new capital investment in its communities Nanaimo sawmill.

B.C.’s International Education Sector: Expanding Global Relationships and Opportunities INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION ENRICHES BRITISH COLUMBIA socially, culturally and economically. Every year B.C. welcomes students from over 80 countries to experience a world class education and life in the province. International students bring diversity to schools, communities and families, build Meet Gbemisola Falade, who completed lasting global connections, and provide a strong foundation for future economic an internship through North Island development between B.C. and the world. International students also support College that led to a full-time position local economies and create jobs. Many choose to stay and build careers, helping at a Campbell River accounting firm. the Province address labour market needs. Originally from Nigeria, Gbemisola is now working towards becoming a chartered Progress is being made toward the aspirational BC Jobs Plan goal of a 50 per cent accountant in B.C. increase in international students in the province by September 2016. For more: www.BCJobsPlan.ca }}BC JOBS PLAN – PROGRESS MADE Sector Facts: þþPromoted B.C. as a high quality education destination and furthered FOR - global relationships with key partners during trade missions to India, China and Japan. , international þþAdded 28 B.C. Global Education Offshore Schools since 2011 and students diversified into three new countries – Colombia, France and Japan. studying in B.C. from over 80 countries þþAnnounced new K-12 and post-secondary scholarships to bring more international students to B.C. and to give more B.C. students the chance $ to study abroad – increasing mobility with China, Japan and Korea. . þþStrengthened support for schools and institutions to attract international billion students and develop strategic global partnerships through active spent by outreach by B.C.’s Education Marketing Managers. international students þþReleased K-12 homestay guidelines that provide consistent, province- wide standards and ensure high quality homestay experiences. $. SPOTLIGHT: billion }} contributed to Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools are typical of B.C.’s thriving K-12 international B.C.’s economy education sector. The program started in 1998 with two Japanese students and has grown to over 300 students from 15 different countries. The program employs six administrators, funds the employment of 12 additional teachers in , the district and works with 190 local homestay families. jobs generated 36 INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION Sector Update YEAR PROGRESS UPDATE

LOOKING AHEAD: INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS IN B.C. }} (-) Refresh B.C.’s International Education Strategy to build on progress to date and seize growing opportunities. BY TOP  COUNTRIES OF ORIGIN Explore ways to increase efficiencies and leverage joint marketing opportunities China , across the education system. Continue to promote B.C. as a world class education destination in key markets. South Korea , Expand the B.C. Global Education Offshore Schools Program and increase Japan , international student transitions from K-12 into B.C. post-secondary education. Brazil , Encourage more international students to live and work in B.C. after graduation through stronger industry linkages to drive economic growth and help meet Saudi Arabia , labour market shortages. Collaborate with other Canadian jurisdictions to leverage the Canada brand and BY TYPE OF INSTITUTION promote Canada abroad through an integrated marketing strategy. Private Language Schools , (%) Public Post-Secondary }}WHY THIS MATTERS: , (%) B.C. is a world-class destination for international students. Our province attracts Private Post-Secondary , (%) the highest number of international students per capita in Canada, hosting Elementary & Secondary almost one-third of all international students in the country. Welcoming more , (%) international students will cultivate greater opportunities for cultural and educational exchanges for B.C. students, and create significant job and economic BY REGION growth in regions across the province. Mainland/Southwest , (%) Through the BC Jobs Plan and B.C.’s International Education Strategy, the Vancouver Island Province will continue to position B.C. as a high-quality education destination , (%) Southern Interior and leverage opportunities to increase competitiveness and advance growth in , (%) key markets. Northern BC , (%) Not stated , (%)

Former International Student Thrives as B.C. CERTIFIED OFFSHORE SCHOOLS an Entrepreneur on Vancouver Island (-) After practicing law in India for nine years, Yuri Ahuja came to B.C. in 2009 as an international student to complete an MBA program at Vancouver Island University. Upon completing his degree, Yuri obtained permanent residency and opened a law office in Nanaimo that offers personalized and easy to access immigration and business law services to individuals and businesses. OVER , international students  countries •  schools

With Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan we are growing the economy, building on our strengths, and making them our competitive advantage in the global economy. We are focusing on eight key sectors that will help us expand markets, strengthen our infrastructure and create jobs: Agrifoods, Forestry, Mining, Natural Gas, International Education, Transportation, Tourism and Technology. We are also building on four cross-sector areas of the economy: Aboriginal Peoples and First Nations, International Trade, Manufacturing and Small Business. To ﬁ nd out more, go to: www.BCJobsPlan.ca  MINING and ENERGY Sector Update YEAR PROGRESS UPDATE

Mining and Energy: Driving Economic Prosperity B.C.’S MINING AND ENERGY SECTOR PROVIDES SIGNIFICANT OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL BRITISH COLUMBIANS. British Columbia is internationally recognized as a centre of expertise in mining, metallurgy, environmental engineering, mine safety, and geoscience. The province is home to the world’s largest concentration of exploration companies and mining professionals. B.C.’s electricity system provides clean and reliable power, contributing to our A heritage mine in reclamation – B.C. is a province’s economic growth. More than 97 per cent of British Columbia’s reliable, global leader in sustainable mining and low-cost electricity is generated from clean, renewable sources, such as hydro, one of the first jurisdictions to enact mine wind and biomass. reclamation legislation ensuring a safe and clean environment for years to come. }}BC JOBS PLAN – PROGRESS MADE For more: www.BCJobsPlan.ca þ Announced a positive final investment decision for the Site C Clean þ Sector Facts: Energy Project, which will secure B.C.’s electricity needs for the future and 2014 create an estimated 33,000 person years of employment over the 10-year project schedule. Mining and electricity exports totaled nearly þþEstablished the Major Mines Permitting Office to improve the co-ordination of major mine permits across government. New staff $ will conduct more inspections and permit reviews, maintaining better 2014 billion turnaround times for Notice of Work permits. þþSince 2011, the Province has provided $20 million to Geoscience BC, an Mining contributed over industry-led organization that develops and distributes geoscience data in partnership with First Nations, communities and governments. In total, B.C. $ has provided over $50 million to Geoscience BC since its inception in 2005.  billion }}SPOTLIGHT: to B.C.'s Economy Mineral exploration creates jobs and business opportunities – from 2011 to 2014, nearly $2 billion was spent on B.C. exploration projects. , Hydroelectric generation is expanding: the new Forest Kerr and Volcano Creek jobs in mining, energy facilities opened in 2014 and another, Waneta, completed a major expansion in and related sectors 2015. The combined projects added 546 megawatts of capacity. With Site C proceeding to meet future electricity needs, BC Hydro is investing the B.C. about $2.4 billion per year for the next ten years to upgrade and expand its 2x average network of dams, generating stations, substations and power lines - one of the largest expansions of electrical infrastructure in B.C.’s history. Mining $ 2014 Average , Weekly Earnings  MINING and ENERGY Sector Update YEAR PROGRESS UPDATE

}}LOOKING AHEAD: Mineral Exploration Finalize more mineral tax revenue and land-and-water-rent sharing Spending ($ million) agreements with B.C. First Nations to share benefits and encourage mining and clean energy developments. $ $ Continue to monitor implementation of BC Hydro’s 10 Year Rates Plan to  keep electricity affordable for British Columbians while building the required   infrastructure to reliably power our growing economy. Support the implementation of B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint by improving mine apprenticeship opportunities for B.C. students, especially B.C. First Nation Reduced average communities. turnaround Identify further opportunities for clean energy producers by working with BC times for Hydro and Clean Energy BC. mineral exploration permits }}WHY THIS MATTERS: from  to under  days More than half of Canada’s mineral exploration companies are headquartered in Vancouver. The mining industry provides high paying jobs and lucrative business $. million Phase  opportunities for suppliers and service providers across the province. Clean Energy Vehicle Program Population and economic growth in B.C. are expected to increase electricity demand by 40 per cent over the next 20 years, providing opportunities for continued growth in power generation. Revenues generated from the energy and mining sectors fund important social programs like health care and Announced in  education. The Province continues to support expansion of the mining sector in B.C., since 2011: Eight new mines have opened, or are in construction phase, creating over 1,500 jobs; and Seven expansions of existing major mines have been approved. B.C. is a hub for mining green ideas and creativity. Innovators are increasingly helping traditional industries transition to more sustainable business practices, thanks to the province’s reputation as a global leader in environmental technologies and best practices. Vancouver is an international centre for mining head offices and mining support services such as geological research, business administration, finance, management, engineering and environmental consulting.

B.C.’s Natural Gas Sector: Growth through Diversification NATURAL GAS DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES ARE KEY TO FUTURE ECONOMIC GROWTH. Developing a provincial Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) industry is a generational opportunity to diversify our natural gas exports beyond the U.S. to markets such as Asia, where rapidly growing demand is fuelled by economic growth and environmental considerations. There are 20 proposed LNG projects: 14 proposals have federal export licenses. Four of these projects were issued provincial environmental assessment (EA) certificates and two received federal EA approval. Provincial EA certificates were Job Maker: John Turpin, Owner and President of Inlet Express, built up a small fleet also issued to four LNG pipeline projects. of boats to supply resource industry projects near Prince Rupert. When he saw LNG on BC JOBS PLAN – PROGRESS MADE the horizon, he changed course to seize the }} generational opportunities provided by LNG. þþPassed the LNG Income Tax Act. For more: www.BCJobsPlan.ca þþPassed the Liquefied Natural Gas Project Agreements Act and signed the first Project Development Agreement between the Province and Pacific Sector Facts: Northwest LNG. þþReached an electricity agreement with LNG Canada. $ þ Signed one or more pipeline benefits agreements with nearly every B.C. þ BILLION First Nation along proposed natural gas pipeline routes in northern B.C. 6.8 Contributed to B.C.'s economy in  þþProvided $470 million under the Infrastructure Royalty Credit Program for Over the construction of resource roads and natural gas pipelines. þþEstablished criteria and standards for LNG emissions to ensure B.C. LNG $ facilities are the cleanest in the world.  billion in þþAnnounced a new $30 million LNG Environmental Stewardship Initiative industry capital in partnership with B.C. First Nations. investment since 2011 Held regional LNG seminars in 14 communities across B.C., attended by þþ trillion cubic more than 13,000 people. feet of natural , gas resources }}SPOTLIGHT: Received a conditional Final Investment Decision for the Pacific Northwest LNG Natural 561 project. Gas 390 B.C. passed legislation to initiate the first Long-Term Royalty Agreement in 2015, providing stable royalty rates for natural gas producers. Wells LNG-Buy BC program is working to link major investors with local B.C. businesses. Drilled   36 NATURAL GAS Sector Update YEAR PROGRESS UPDATE

}}LOOKING AHEAD: LNG Projects (as of Nov 2015) Develop the B.C. Prosperity Fund legislation for introduction in the spring 2017 PROJECT NEB EXPORT APPROVAL legislative session. Kitimat LNG ü Make recommendations for establishing a clean infrastructure royalty credit Pacific NorthWest LNG ü program. LNG Canada ü Complete a shale gas resource assessment of the Liard Basin. Woodfibre LNG ü Continue to work with LNG project proponents to finalize Project Development Prince Rupert LNG ü Agreements. Aurora LNG ü Advance negotiations with additional proponents to maximize the use of clean WCC LNG ü power in LNG projects. Triton LNG ü Continue to work with B.C. First Nations that may be impacted by natural gas Grassy Point LNG ü extraction, pipelines or LNG development. Tilbury LNG / WesPac ü Prepare communities and Provincial service providers for major industrial Discovery LNG ü development in the Northwest. Orca LNG ü Prepare British Columbians for future LNG-related job opportunities through the Steelhead LNG ü B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint training strategy. Cedar LNG Export ü Develop a framework for the expansion of natural gas value-added products like Douglas Channel LNG Under Consideration methanol, fertilizers and gas to liquids. Canada Stewart Energy Under Consideration Group }}WHY THIS MATTERS: Kitsault Energy Ltd Under Consideration With our abundant natural gas resources, strategic location with access to Asian NewTimes Energy Under Consideration markets, and stable social and political climate, B.C. is a competitive jurisdiction Watson Island LNG Yet to be submitted for valued-added natural gas investment. Nisga’a LNG Yet to be submitted Development of LNG and petrochemical products, including methanol, fertilizers and gas to liquids, will open new international export markets, leading to further economic diversification, growth and job creation. B.C. will also continue to Potential Job Creation increase domestic market opportunity by promoting the use of natural gas for LNG and $billion transportation. Plants investment To create a positive investment climate, the Province has streamlined the regulatory environment, and is offering low tax rates and financial frameworks such as Project Development Agreements. The Agreements provide LNG , proponents with long-term certainty for costs within Provincial control, and set Total Jobs the stage for final investment decisions and job creation.

B.C.’s Technology Sector: A Catalyst for Cross-Sector Growth B.C.’S VIBRANT TECHNOLOGY SECTOR IS A KEY DRIVER OF ECONOMIC PROSPERITY AND DIVERSITY, creating jobs for British Columbians across the province. B.C.’s tech sector is a catalyst for economic growth, helping B.C. companies put technology to work to develop their competitive advantage in the global marketplace. B.C.’s tech sector continues to experience steady growth and contributes significantly to the province’s economic success. With an increasing number of Job Maker: Rob Dykman, owner of Coast technology companies choosing to call B.C. their home, the sector has grown Mountain Wireless, is creating stable jobs into a vibrant, diverse community. Our homegrown success attracts large in the telecommunications industry. The companies such as Amazon, Sony, Electronic Arts, Disney, and very recently company installs and maintains wireless Animal Logic from Australia. communication services in remote locations of the rugged North Coast, growing from BC JOBS PLAN – PROGRESS MADE eight to 15 employees in two years. }} For more: www.BCJobsPlan.ca þþThe BC Innovation Council’s new $6 million BCIC Tech Works program: }} Provides students with valuable training opportunities at B.C. tech Sector Facts: companies; and }} Enables tech companies to offset the cost of student training. In … BILLION þþTechnology and agrifood entrepreneurs can now benefit from the BC Agri- $ tech Venture Acceleration Program. Annual þþExtension of the Small Business Venture Capital Tax Credit program to Revenue help start-ups develop and grow. More than }}SPOTLIGHT: 86,000 B.C.’s clean tech sector is making great strides and is increasing its share of the JOBS $5 trillion global market for clean technology. B.C.’s Foresight Cleantech Accelerator Centre, the only business accelerator for the clean tech industry in Western Canada, is helping local companies take advantage of the significant Sector weekly opportunities in this sector. earnings are 60% higher More B.C. families are connected this year thanks to expanded highway cellular $, than those of the coverage and high-speed internet access. We are working with the private sector average B.C. worker and all levels of government to achieve our goal of 100 per cent connectivity to Over high-speed internet by 2021. Surrey’s Innovation Boulevard is one example of a partnership among , researchers, public sector organizations and industry, improving the lives of Technology companies in B.C. British Columbians by developing health technologies to train surgeons, advance (an 8% growth from 2012) cancer screening techniques and restore mobility. 36 TECHNOLOGY and GREEN ECONOMY Sector Update YEAR PROGRESS UPDATE

}}LOOKING AHEAD: Support B.C.’s diverse economy by delivering a Technology Strategy that identifies and addresses barriers to technology sector growth. Develop a 10-year skills plan for B.C.’s tech sector to ensure our talent pool is meeting industry demand and supporting innovation across all key sectors. Work with government partners to ensure the life sciences industry continues to thrive in B.C. Increase the availability of venture capital in B.C. and address the “early funding” gap. Fund a foreign qualifications recognition pilot program to help new immigrants fit their skills into in-demand technology sector careers. Maryam Sadeghi is the CEO of MetaOptima Support student opportunities to learn coding through courses and special Technology Inc. Her company develops activities such as the Hour of Code. imaging solutions and devices for smart Support programs that enable graduate students and postdoctoral fellows to skin analytics in dermatology and skin care applications. MetaOptima is undertake applied research projects relating to their expertise within industry. focused on providing tools for skin health, Expand eligibility for the B.C. Completion Grant to include students completing wellness, and beauty in a wide range of tech sector related programs. applications from cancer to skin care. For more: www.BCJobsPlan.ca }}WHY THIS MATTERS: A vibrant technology sector is an essential element of B.C.’s diverse, strong and Impact of growing economy. BC Innovation Council’s Technology supports innovation across all sectors and is a crucial job creator for Venture Acceleration Program some of our most educated, creative and skilled people. (since ) B.C. industries can build on their competitive advantages by exploring new  innovations and adopting technologies to enter new markets with process delivery partners innovations, new products and business models. The technology sector also across the province makes our economy cleaner and more sustainable, leading to a wide range of positive environmental outcomes. These improvements mean B.C.’s industries companies are becoming more efficient and more competitive in global markets. participating The value of B.C.’s high technology exports continues to climb, surpassing $1 billion in 2013. B.C. is uniquely positioned to access global markets with our great variety of technology products and services. We are supporting the growth entrepreneurs trained of our Province’s technology sector with a technology strategy that will provide economic opportunities for British Columbians in every corner of the province. $ . MILLION revenue generated $ MILLION .investment attracted With Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan we are growing the economy, building on our strengths, and making them our competitive advantage in the global economy. We are focusing on eight key sectors that will help us expand markets, strengthen our infrastructure and create jobs: Agrifoods, Forestry, Mining, Natural Gas, International Education, Transportation, Tourism and Technology. We are also building on four cross-sector areas of the economy: Aboriginal Peoples and First Nations, International Trade, Manufacturing and Small Business. To ﬁ nd out more, go to: www.BCJobsPlan.ca 36 TOURISM Sector Update YEAR PROGRESS UPDATE

Tourism is One of Our Fastest Growing Industries B.C.’S TOURISM SECTOR IS THRIVING. With the strategic marketing of our revitalized Super Natural B.C. brand, combined with more airline flights bringing visitors to our province, B.C.’s tourism sector is outperforming the rest of Canada’s. People come here to enjoy the natural environment, warm people, diversity of cultures, places and experiences, and for the spectacular beauty. More than 4.6 million international visitors came to B.C. in 2014 – as many visitors as there are residents of the province. Job Maker: Dennis Thomas is the manager for Takaya Tours, an aboriginal cultural tourism company featuring the }}BC JOBS PLAN – PROGRESS MADE Tsleil-Waututh Nation’s traditions on their A bold new plan to market B.C. globally – Destination BC’s Corporate home territory in North Vancouver. þþ For more: www.BCJobsPlan.ca Strategy.

þþThe Resort Municipality Initiative distributed $10.5 million this past Sector Facts: year to 14 resort communities, enabling them to improve the quality of tourism in their towns through infrastructure enhancements and other strategies. Government has extended the timeline of this program In … through 2017 because of its success. Tourism generated þþA new provincial hosting program and strategy, to make B.C. the $ destination of choice for sport and cultural events. In 2015 B.C. hosted the . Canada Winter Games, the largest multi-sport event ever held in northern BILLION B.C., with more than 15,000 participants and visitors. in revenues þþSurpassed the goal of 300 Aboriginal tourism businesses, two years ahead of schedule, with 2,900 full time equivalent employees. $ . billion SPOTLIGHT: contributed to }} B.C.’s economy Award winning British Columbia: B.C. voted the ‘Best Destination for Adventure, Canada’ at the esteemed TravelAge Supported Awards in California. , Vancouver Island has been named “The Best Island in the Continental US and JOBS Canada” by Travel + Leisure magazine. (up % over ) The Wickininnish Inn in Tofino was named “The Best Resort Hotel in Canada” by Travel + Leisure magazine. Destination B.C.’s brand video, The Wild Within, took top prize at the 14TH Annual Tourism Film, Print and Multimedia Competition in Berlin, Germany. $ billion in tourism wages . and salaries in  The Nita Lake Lodge in Creekside was voted number one resort in Canada, by Condé Nest Traveler in its Readers Choice Awards. 36 TOURISM Sector Update YEAR PROGRESS UPDATE

}}LOOKING AHEAD: Implement the Gaining the Edge 2015-2018 Strategy to align public investments in tourism marketing and development activities. Continue supporting Aboriginal Tourism BC to reach its goals of increasing Aboriginal tourism revenues and the number of market-ready tourism businesses, products, and jobs. Implement the enhanced Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT) program to boost funding for community tourism marketing. Support key events that offer a high tourism value with a new Tourism Events Program. Job Maker: Bigger isn’t always better according to Mandy Farmer, CEO of Victoria- Encourage tourists to enjoy B.C.’s wine, craft brewed cider, beer and spirits and based Accent Inns. With six locations food tourism opportunities. and 175 employees, including the newly re-branded Hotel Zed, Accent Inns is a Invest $12 million over three years in new and upgraded rest stops, parks, and small operator in part of the hospitality innovative visitor services. business known more for the “big guys.” For more: www.BCJobsPlan.ca }}WHY THIS MATTERS: Tourism is one of the largest and fastest growing sectors in the world. The B.C. IS A LEADER IN United Nations World Tourism Organization notes Asian countries, particularly ABORIGINAL CULTURAL China, are the fastest growing source markets for tourism. As Canada’s gateway TOURISM, CREATING to the Asia-Pacific, British Columbia is optimally positioned to take advantage of this growth. , Destination BC’s marketing efforts in key U.S. markets are attracting greater DIRECT AND INDIRECT numbers of Americans to British Columbia. Overnight visitation from the U.S. JOBS IN 2014 accounts for about two-thirds of foreign travelers to B.C. Aboriginal cultural tourism is a defining feature of B.C.’s unique tourism experiences. One-in-four visitors seek out Aboriginal cultural experiences during their stay in B.C., generating over $40 million to the Provincial economy. MORE The FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015, the largest women’s sporting THAN event in the world, proved to be the major event of 2015. The month-long , tournament broke records for both live attendance and worldwide television tourism-related businesses in B.C. audiences. Over 100,000 soccer fans visited Vancouver during the tournament. Tourism is a diverse job creator in our growing economy and will continue to Over play a key role in every region in the province. . MILLION Visitors from China to B.C. visitors came to B.C. in 2014

With Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan we are growing the economy, building on our strengths, and making them our competitive advantage in the global economy. We are focusing on eight key sectors that will help us expand markets, strengthen our infrastructure and create jobs: Agrifoods, Forestry, Mining, Natural Gas, International Education, Transportation, Tourism and Technology. We are also building on four cross-sector areas of the economy: Aboriginal Peoples and First Nations, International Trade, Manufacturing and Small Business. To ﬁ nd out more, go to: www.BCJobsPlan.ca Visitor arrivals to Canada 36 TRANSPORTATION Sector Update YEAR PROGRESS UPDATE

B.C.’s Transportation Sector: Building Markets, Growing Jobs THE GROWTH OF OUR ECONOMY RELIES ON A SAFE, RELIABLE AND EFFICIENT MULTI-MODAL TRANSPORTATION NETWORK. B.C. is Canada’s Pacific Gateway, providing market access for global trade into North America and

beyond. B.C.’s global transportation options – by air, water, road or rail – provide Photo courtesy of BCMEA Training Centre opportunities for B.C. producers and manufacturers to expand their client base, Close to 6,500 people were employed grow their business and create new jobs. as longshore workers in B.C. in 2014, an 8% increase over 2013. Each year as Our many diverse economic sectors, including tourism, international education, many as 1,000 workers are trained at natural resources, agrifoods and manufacturing, depend on a world-class the BC Maritime Employers’ Association transportation sector facilitating efficient, reliable connections between (BCMEA) Training Centre at Mitchell Island, manufacturers, container and bulk ships, trains, trucks and airplanes to reach Richmond. The number trained annually global markets. will increase with the addition of the new $11 million ship-to-shore crane. }}BC JOBS PLAN – PROGRESS MADE For more: www.BCJobsPlan.ca þþThe Trans-Canada Highway between Monte Creek and Hoffman’s Bluff has Sector Facts: been upgraded to four lanes, improving public safety and increasing the route’s transport capacity, benefitting local businesses, commercial traffic, tourists and commuters. more than þþConstruction of the Philip Avenue rail overpass on Burrard Inlet in North Vancouver will improve access for trains and trucks to the break-bulk , marine terminal and ship builders, and reduce noise and traffic congestion employed (up 5% since 2013) for local residents. þþCompleted construction of four lanes on the Cariboo Connector between 70 Mile House and just south of 100 Mile House. $ þþYVR and Shanghai Pudong International Air Cargo signed an agreement to . help move more perishable goods between the two gateways. BILLION contributed to B.C.’s }}SPOTLIGHT: economy in  Stewart World Port invested $70 million in a new break bulk facility. The new facility will handle oversized cargo for mining, hydro-electric and oil and gas developments. Sector YVR is welcoming new direct flights to Europe, China, Japan and Mexico. $, 2014 Weekly $4 billion in private sector transportation investments were committed in 2014/15, Average Earnings including Centerm’s proposed $250 million container terminal expansion in Port Metro Vancouver. 36 TRANSPORTATION Sector Update YEAR PROGRESS UPDATE

}}LOOKING AHEAD: WORLD CLASS Continue to implement B.C. on the Move, B.C.’s 10-year transportation plan. TRANSPORTATION Continue construction of four lanes on the Trans-Canada Highway between Kamloops and Alberta. NETWORK Continue Phase 2 of the Cariboo Connector project between Cache Creek and Prince George. $. billion Consultation and planning for the George Massey Tunnel replacement and potential second crossing in Kelowna. $. billion A $290 million private sector investment to handle 30 per cent more containers at $. billion Deltaport terminal. Increase funding for bridge replacement and upgrades by 50 per cent to $180 $. billion million over three years. $. billion B.C. Air Access Program will invest $24 million over three years to fund regional $ and local airport infrastructure. billion Increase BikeBC funding to $18 million over three years to assist communities in exports transported build cycling infrastructure and multi-use paths; an increase of 50 per cent over through B.C. (up % from ) the last three years. Port Metro }}WHY THIS MATTERS:  Vancouver B.C. on the Move and the Pacific Gateway Transportation Strategy 2012-2020 million tonnes of cargo  (up % from ) provide the roadmap for expanding B.C.’s multi-modal transportation network. The success of B.C. cherry exporters highlights the benefits of improved access to ocean shipping, with a 165 per cent increase in cherries moving through Port % $ Metro Vancouver since 2011. million per year and British Columbians rely on our transportation network for everyday activities, = increase in , such as getting to school, work and home – but it is also critical to our national, container traﬃc new jobs for B.C.’s economy provincial and local economies. B.C.’s diverse economy relies on all transportation modes to maximize global export opportunities and attract new investment.

Prince Rupert Port is ranked in the YVR top ten in North America for container terminal productivity. At Fairview . container terminal, a $200 million million passengers expansion is underway, which will (up % from ) add 60 per cent more capacity.

Cross-Sector Overview YEAR PROGRESS UPDATE

Partners in Economic Growth B.C. IS COMMITTED TO WORKING WITH ABORIGINAL PEOPLES AND FIRST NATIONS TO STRENGTHEN COMMUNITIES AND SHARE IN THE GROWTH OF THE PROVINCIAL ECONOMY. Aboriginal businesses are actively involved in economic initiatives in key and emerging sectors, including technology, agrifoods, forestry, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and Aboriginal cultural tourism, one of B.C.’s fastest growing tourism areas. Aboriginal participation in B.C.’s economy is improving through cross-sector partnerships that foster economic diversification, investment and job creation, Job Maker: A 2013 partnership between and increased access to employment and skills training opportunities. Lheidli T’enneh First Nation and Britco to construct modular buildings is creating BC JOBS PLAN – PROGRESS MADE economic opportunities and a legacy in }} the Prince George area. The partnership þþSigned over 100 non-treaty agreements with B.C. First Nations, including benefits the Lheidli T’enneh Nation by strategic engagement, reconciliation, forestry, and major project providing skills training, employment and revenue-sharing agreements. sub-contracting opportunities as well as supporting economic diversification. þþSigned 61 pipeline benefit agreements with 28 B.C. First Nations to For more: www.BCJobsPlan.ca partner on LNG opportunities. Facts: þþCelebrated the signing of four Agreements-in-Principle in 2014/2015 with Te’mexw Treaty Association, Wuikinuxv First Nation, Kitselas First Nations A Young Population and Kitsumkalum First Nation. Launched the First Nations Economic Development Database in þþ Over  Aboriginal Under  partnership with the Aboriginal Business and Investment Council to (%) People (%) enable partnerships between industry and Aboriginal businesses. }}SPOTLIGHT: Introduced a new $30 million Aboriginal Skills Training Development Program Over , which supports strategies outlined in B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint and the Aboriginal People in B.C. overall goal of increasing the number of Aboriginal people in the provincial workforce by 15,000 over the next 10 years. In 2015/16 the program is expected to support training for approximately 1,000 Aboriginal people. Announced a new $30 million LNG Environmental Stewardship Initiative .% of B.C.’s population to support projects that have the potential to create jobs and environmental legacies with First Nations throughout the North. Hosted the second annual meeting between B.C. First Nations leaders and the B.C. Cabinet in September 2015.  First Nations in B.C.  ABORIGINAL PEOPLES and FIRST NATIONS

Cross-Sector Overview YEAR PROGRESS UPDATE

}}LOOKING AHEAD: OVER Continue to expand the number of non-treaty agreements to promote economic development in B.C. , Increase B.C. First Nations participation in apprenticeship and skills training Aboriginal owned companies programs to ensure economic prosperity. in B.C. Continue to work with B.C. First Nations impacted by natural gas extraction, Forestry supports pipelines or LNG facilities to ensure they are able to participate in this generational opportunity. First Nations’ communities $ }}WHY THIS MATTERS:  Greater participation of B.C.’s relatively young and growing Aboriginal population million in revenue in the workforce and economy will continue to play an increasingly important sharing since  role in our economic growth and prosperity. Economic opportunities related to major investment projects, such as LNG, mining and clean energy, are an important long-term source of employment B.C. has and business opportunities for Aboriginal communities. Aboriginal businesses signed agreements are involved in the development of nearly 40 proposed major projects in B.C.,  each valued at $15 million or more, with a combined total of approximately with  First Nation entities $60 billion. that conﬁrm sharing mineral Through the BC Jobs Plan, the Province is committed to Aboriginal participation tax revenue from  mines in development opportunities to improve economic and social outcomes. The Province will continue to build relationships with industry to ensure respectful engagement with B.C. First Nations on potential developments. Since , B.C. has signed  agreements with First Nations though the Internationally-renowned Spirit Ridge First Nations Vineyard Resort & Spa and award-winning Clean Energy Business Fund Nk’Mip Cellars Winery, located in B.C.’s Okanagan Valley, are owned and operated by the Osoyoos Indian Band. For more: www.BCJobsPlan.ca Photo courtesy of Bellstar Hotels & Resorts

Diversifying Exports, Expanding to New Markets and Creating Jobs INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND INVESTMENT ARE SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTORS TO JOB CREATION AND ECONOMIC GROWTH. Increasing the value of the goods and services we export – and selling into multiple markets – creates jobs. Targeted investment helps to grow diverse sectors, creating economic benefits for all British Columbians. Job Maker: Glenn Johnson, CEO of We are leveraging the strengths of our internationally competitive sectors to Endurance Wind Power, a Surrey-based advance B.C.’s interests in trade negotiations and support our businesses in key wind turbine manufacturing and exporting company, is focused on developing a global export markets. We are also pursuing investments through our network of trade network of wind power. Endurance has and investment offices, marketing and online services. exported over 750 wind turbines and has rapidly grown from six staff to 150 today. }}BC JOBS PLAN – PROGRESS MADE For more: www.BCJobsPlan.ca Supported 160 inbound and outbound trade missions that took nearly þþ Facts: 200 B.C. businesses to markets overseas, and attracted 500 overseas companies to B.C. þþAttracted 25 international offices to B.C., including the relocation of China $ Fiber Optic’s North American head office to B.C. . billion of goods þþRemoved 258 barriers that restricted trade opportunities for businesses. exported in  þ Advanced B.C.’s interests in new trade agreements with Korea, the þ South Korea: European Union: European Union, and the Trans-Pacific Partnership. $. billion $. billion (.%) (.%) þ Developed Raising Our Game in Asia: The BC Jobs Plan Trade Strategy. þ Japan: þ Facilitated $1.2 billion in foreign direct investment, exclusive of Liquefied $. billion B.C.’S TOP þ (.%) FIVE EXPORT Natural Gas, resulting in more than 7,700 jobs created or safeguarded MARKETS throughout B.C. IN 2014 China: United States: $. billion $. billion }}SPOTLIGHT: (.%) (.%) Opened a B.C. Film and Television Office in Los Angeles to enhance the industry’s presence in the region and facilitate new opportunities for the B.C. film industry. B.C. attracted more than Made a $3 million commitment to re-establish the International Maritime Centre $ and draw more shipping companies to Vancouver. .BILLION Launched new economic development features for B.C. communities, including in foreign direct investment First Nations, on B.C.’s trade and investment website www.BritishColumbia.ca. over the past decade 36 INTERNATIONAL TRADE Cross-Sector Overview YEAR PROGRESS UPDATE

}}LOOKING AHEAD: Work collaboratively with public and private sector partners to improve business export services so they are easier to find, understand and use. Allocate dedicated resources to help B.C. First Nations companies export. Continue to attract Asian head offices to B.C. through HQ Vancouver. Strengthen our ties in Asia through market-specific strategies in priority markets beginning with India, and develop a strategy for mid-sized Chinese cities. Continue annual, minister-led missions to deepen economic ties to Asia and build trade advantages in support of B.C. businesses. OVER Build on our multicultural knowledge by continuing to help public and private sector Awesense Inc. helps electric utilities partners navigate international economies and develop market-specific business save millions of dollars in energy losses , due to theft and errors. Mischa Steiner- literacy. leads were generated by Jovic has made Awesense into one of  B.C.’s clean-tech export success stories. }}WHY THIS MATTERS: For more: www.BCJobsPlan.ca B.C. can be proud of its track record and strategic advantages in international INTERNATIONAL OVER BUSINESS trade and investment. We have a more diversified trade portfolio than any other AGREEMENT WORTH province, with a decreased reliance on U.S. markets and nearly 40 per cent of  OVER our exports flowing to Asia. We also have a prominent international presence new intl. $ in 11 priority markets, and are exploring the expansion of office locations in the business . billion Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The fifth largest economy in the agreements world, ASEAN offers substantial opportunities for B.C. businesses. TOP  GLOBAL International investment also creates a more resilient and diverse economy. INVESTMENT SOURCES Our trade network has played a part in more than $14.5 billion in foreign USA  direct investment over the past decade, creating tens of thousands of jobs and Hong Kong economic opportunities for British Columbians. We’ve seen the bottom-line  benefits when organizations invest in B.C. Our technology and life sciences China  industries, in particular, are employing more British Columbians because of Japan  international investment. Germany  ( $ billion) New investment services were added to www.BritishColumbia.ca that help communities and First Nations reach international investors. The tool provides TOP  GLOBAL investment information for more than 390 communities and First Nations in B.C. IMPORTING MARKETS with more than 6,000 investment opportunities available. USA , China , Germany , Japan  France  ( $ billion)

B.C.’s Manufacturing sector is a pillar of our shared economic success THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR SUPPORTS DIVERSE, HIGH-PAYING JOBS FOR BRITISH COLUMBIANS. The manufacturing sector is a primary generator for growing B.C. exports, comprising 64 per cent of goods shipped. A wide range of high-value products and components are produced for international and domestic markets. Mirela Crihana is a Quality Assurance Representative with Seaspan Shipyards. B.C.’s advanced manufacturing industries, including aerospace and marine, are State of the art marine manufacturing and increasing exports, fostering increased value-added activities and creating maintenance facilities are setting the stage desirable, high-paying jobs in communities across the province. for significant new opportunities under the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy. BC JOBS PLAN – PROGRESS MADE A growing world-class shipbuilding and }} ship repair capability is creating thousands þþPartnered with Aerospace Industries Association of Canada Pacific of new long-term jobs in the industry. (AIACP) to grow B.C.’s aerospace cluster. For more: www.BCJobsPlan.ca Developed Raising Our Game in Asia: The BC Jobs Plan Trade Strategy þþ Facts: and are exploring additional trade offices in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to advance export opportunities for manufacturers. þþManufacturing skilled labour needs are being addressed through: }} Implementing the Canada-B.C. Job Grant; , }} Forming the Industry Training Authority Manufacturing Sector JOBS Advisory Group, under B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint; and In manufacturing products across all sectors }} Provincial sponsorship of a manufacturing roundtable focused on the labour needs of B.C. manufacturers. In , manufacturing contributed }}SPOTLIGHT: $. A diverse food manufacturing industry – our wide range of agricultural and billion seafood products supports a varied food processing industry. While fish, dairy, to the B.C. poultry, meat and beverages dominate production, value-added specialty food economy products are increasing. Consumer interest in safe, high-quality and sustainably produced food drives growth and innovation in this industry. 2014 manufacturing sales grew to B.C.’s apparel manufacturers supply a range of products to foreign and domestic $ markets. With new technologies and supply chain innovation, leading brands . such as Arc’teryx, lululemon athletica, and Herschel Supply Company are BILLION competing globally and creating local, high-paying jobs. (6.6% increase from 2013) 36 MANUFACTURING Cross-Sector Overview YEAR PROGRESS UPDATE

}}LOOKING AHEAD: Develop new export opportunities for B.C. businesses working with Canadian % Manufacturers and Exporters (CME).  Continue to work with in-bound trade missions to connect B.C. manufacturers of B.C. exports with potential new buyers. are manufactured goods Work with the LNG-Buy BC program to: Western Europe: Prepare B.C. businesses to leverage commercial opportunities associated with (%) LNG projects; and Japan: United States: (%) Explore expansion of the LNG-Buy BC online tool to other sectors to support (%) supplier development opportunities. Other: Key markets (%) for B.C.’s Connect with B.C. industry to propose policy or tax changes to help make manufacturing businesses more competitive. China: (%) exports Implement solutions from the manufacturing roundtable to help match skills training to in-demand manufacturing careers. Encourage value-added natural gas opportunities to: Increase use of natural gas as an industry and transportation fuel; Replace diesel in remote communities; and Create export opportunities to markets such as Asia for products like ammonia, B.C. has the ethanol, propane, butane and other natural gas liquids. th }}WHY THIS MATTERS:  Manufacturing is key to growing and diversifying B.C.’s economic future. The largest apparel sector in sector’s diversity, focus on export markets and innovation are supporting job North America with growth across every sector of the Provincial economy. Advanced manufacturing  businesses, in particular, is essential to the Provincial economy as a source of innovation and generating , jobs competitiveness and an incubator for new products. in the province B.C.’s non-resource manufacturing exports totalled almost $9 billion in 2014. This growing sector is comprised of more than 14 different industry segments. The large presence of mid-sized businesses highlights an opportunity for growth for small, locally-based companies. Our manufacturing expertise in marine, aerospace and technology is attracting global investment and creating new economic opportunities.

British Columbia is Open for Business SMALL BUSINESS IS THE MAINSTAY OF THE PROVINCIAL ECONOMY. With 98 per cent of all businesses in B.C. having fewer than 50 employees, small business drives job creation, productivity and economic growth across all sectors of the economy. B.C.’s diverse small business sector generated one-third of the province’s GDP in 2014 and accounted for more than a third of all provincial goods exports in 2013. Job Maker: After Amber Price assumed The sector is the primary provider of private sector jobs in the province, reflecting the top spot at The Book Man, her family’s an important ongoing trend toward economic diversification. used book business, she expanded it to include a second location and a strong BC JOBS PLAN – PROGRESS MADE online presence. Supported by 18 friendly }} and helpful staff and a databased þþThe third annual Open for Business Awards recognized communities for inventory, Amber’s business is growing. leadership in helping small businesses grow and succeed. For more: www.BCJobsPlan.ca

þþLaunched an online roadmap that explains how to start up and operate a Facts: restaurant in B.C. þþLaunched an online BC Bid tutorial to guide suppliers and increase small business access to government procurement opportunities. þþThe LNG-Buy BC tool helped promote the visibility of over 850 B.C. small , businesses to procurement opportunities. small businesses þþSimplified access to permit and licensing information for business by in B.C. adding 25 new communities to the BizPaL partnership. BizPaL now has 122 participating B.C. municipalities. þþSupported the Small Business Roundtable’s fourth Aboriginal Small % Business Consultation to identify regional priorities and support B.C. First  private Nations entrepreneurs and economic development. of all jobs ACROSS ALL SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY }}SPOTLIGHT: The number of new small businesses has increased in every region of the province since the implementation of the BC Jobs Plan in 2011, with the Northeast Most small leading the way with 12 per cent growth or 440 new small businesses. businesses The high-tech sector is the fastest growing non-traditional small business sector

BC per capita

in B.C. with 1,250 new businesses started in the past five years. CDN (per 1,000 people Small businesses make up over 85 per cent of all B.C. exporters. . . vs. national average) 36 SMALL BUSINESS Cross-Sector Overview YEAR PROGRESS UPDATE

}}LOOKING AHEAD: Fastest Growing Improve how British Columbians access government services by increasing efficiency and reducing red tape. FastestSectors Growing(-) Increase in small businesses Simplify and streamline the process of starting and running a business by Sectors (-) working with local governments and industry to reduce red tape and eliminate Increase in small+ businesses barriers to business. , Continue to reduce costs and improve efficiency for businesses operating in more +Real Estate than one municipality by supporting the expansion of the Mobile Business , Licence initiative. + Real Estate Explore ways to increase the ability of B.C.’s small businesses to export their , products to new markets. +Health Care Continue to raise awareness of the tools and resources small businesses need , to succeed. Health Care Determine regional and sector-specific small business priorities through Small + Business Roundtable consultations that reflect the needs of local economies. , Professional,+ scientiﬁc }}WHY THIS MATTERS: & technical services, One out of every two people employed by the private sector in B.C. works for a Professional, scientiﬁc small business. Helping small businesses grow and succeed benefits all British & technical services Columbians. Small businesses are essential to the provincial economy and Small Businesses generate jobs in every community across B.C. by Region Northeast Small Businesses, (.%) We will continue to build on our BC Jobs Plan commitments to support small by Region NortheastCariboo business success by finding new ways to cut red tape and remove barriers to North Coast , (.%) & Nechako , (.%) growth, improve access to investment capital, support export readiness and , (.%) CaribooThompson – promote new job growth. North Coast ,Okanagan (.%) & Nechako , (.%) ,Vancouver (.%) Thompson – #helpcutredtape Island/Coast Okanagan , (.%) , (.%) Vancouver Kootenay Reducing Red Tape for British Columbians Island/CoastMainland/Southwest , (.%) , (.%) Engaging the public on how government can save time and provide easier access to services. , (%) Kootenay Making improvements to deliver services that are faster, easier to access and simpler to use. Mainland/Southwest(Distribution in ), (.%) , (%) Holding the line on the number of regulatory requirements with an extension of government’s net zero increase commitment to 2019. (Distribution in ) Reducing barriers to small business doing business with government. Maintaining B.C.’s leadership role in regulatory reform and red tape reduction. The Canadian Federation of independent Business has given B.C. an “A” Grade for reducing red tape for four consecutive years.

Live, Work, Play: A Diverse Region Inspires Growth A BUSINESS-FRIENDLY CLIMATE. Tourism, forestry, technology, creative industries, agrifoods and manufacturing are some of the sectors revving the region’s economic engine. Vancouver Island / Coast is a desirable region to work, live and play. People choose to live and retire here because of the natural environment, mild climate and service offerings. Youth come to study at our colleges and universities, from Job Maker: Denny Unger is the CEO of B.C., Canada and around the world. Businesses locate here because of our skilled Cloudhead Games, a pioneer in Virtual labour force and the diverse regional economy, where all eight key BC Jobs Plan Reality (VR), whose goal is to create a thriving sectors are represented. tech industry on Vancouver Island. Based in Coombs, Cloudhead began developing VR BC JOBS PLAN – PROGRESS MADE in 2012 for the gaming and entertainment }} industry. It has grown to 15 employees þ The Island technology sector is booming, annually generating over with plans to double in size in 2016. þ For more: www.BCJobsplan.ca $3 billion in revenues, employing 18,000 people, and contributing $4 billion to the province’s economic growth. The BC Innovation Council, Facts: through its partners, VIATeC and Innovation Island, have delivered over $1.3 million in Venture Acceleration Program funding to support VI/C accounts for entrepreneurs and job creation in the region since 2012. .% þþThere are over 3,100 tourism related businesses in the region, employing of B.C.’s total 21,900 people and contributing an estimated $1.2 billion to the economy. population Since 2011, the Province has supported the region’s tourism sector by investing over $43 million to boost regional tourism development. Median Age B.C. . years SPOTLIGHT: }} VI/C . years Vancouver Island is a key player in the Film and TV production industry, having attracted notable motion pictures such as Twilight, Superman, Godzilla and Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, and recently the History Channel’s ALONE, a A Mature Population  and over Under   and over Under  television series filmed entirely on location in the wilderness of Vancouver Island. % % % % The Vancouver Island Aerospace Association promotes the Island as a talent hub by marketing its highly trained workforce, products, services and infrastructure to B.C. VI/C both regional and global aerospace markets. Viking Air, a world class aerospace manufacturing company based on Vancouver %  to  % Island, contributes an estimated $300 million to the economy through the manufacture and export of its Twin Otter Series 400 aircraft. Net Migration – Under  VI/C B.C.  to  VI/C B.C.  and over VI/C B.C. 36 VANCOUVER ISLAND / COAST Spotlight YEAR PROGRESS UPDATE

}}LOOKING AHEAD: Employing The Province is investing over $600 million with the North Island Hospitals Project Top  Industries to develop a new 95-bed hospital in Campbell River and a new 153-bed hospital Health Care and Social Assistance .% in the Comox Valley. Retail Trade .% BC Hydro’s $1 billion upgrade of the John Hart Generating Station in Campbell Accommodation and Food Services .% River will take five years to complete and generate direct and indirect jobs and Construction .% economic benefits on the Island. Professional, Scientiﬁc and % Technical Services . Government has made significant transportation infrastructure investments in the region to facilitate the safe movement of people and goods and is committed to deliver further safety improvements going forward under the BC on the Move Historical Job Growth Transportation Plan. - All NAICS Industries % The Province continues to provide $3.4 million annually to Forest Product Health Care and Social Assistance % Innovations (FPInnovations) a research institute supported by industry, the federal Construction  % and provincial governments, with much of the Provincial funding going to the BC Professional, Scientiﬁc and % Coastal Hem-Fir Initiative to enhance the competitive advantage for the Coastal Technical Services  and Island forest sector. Retail Trade % Finance, Insurance, Real Estate % and Leasing  }}WHY THIS MATTERS: Transportation and Warehousing % The B.C. Government will continue to actively support diversification and growth of the region’s economy: Labour Market Outlook Since 2001, the B.C. government has transferred more than $525 million, sourced from across a number of programs and initiatives, to local governments in the , job openings % by  region to support infrastructure and other community needs. Expansion  % In 2006, the North Island Coastal Economic Trust was established and supported Replacement  by $50 million in Provincial funding to help build a diverse, globally competitive resource and knowledge-based regional economy. Since its inception, Growth $48.6 million has been invested in 134 projects across 52 different communities, Industries generating significant economic benefits to the region and the province. Top  . Transportation equipment manufacturing In 2011, $40 million of support from the Province helped Seaspan secure a . Mining and quarrying winning bid under the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy. As a result, . Insurance carriers and related activities Seaspan is creating jobs and business opportunities at the Victoria Shipyards, with . Community colleges an estimated 20 years of work just getting underway. The Province continues to . Architectural, engineering and related services support the marine sector through the B.C. Skills for Jobs Blueprint, in particular the Ship Repair program at Camosun College, which provides students with practical, hands-on training that matches labour market needs close to home.