Province transfers former Tolko mill site at Louis Creek for economic development

LOUIS CREEK — Land on the site of the former Tolko mill was officially transferred today to the District of Barriere and Simpcw First Nation.

The mill was destroyed by the Louise Creek wildfire that swept up to and around Barriere during the summer of 2003.

The provincial government spent $4.6 million on construction of an intersection at Highway 5 and Agate Bay Road and on road work on Agate Bay Road, as well as contamination remediation and cleanup works at the site.

Kamloops North Thompson MLA Terry Lake said the transfer fulfills an earlier commitment from the province.

“This industrial land offers an opportunity for new jobs and development in a vibrant hardworking region of our province.”

Barriere Mayor Bill Humphreys agreed. “This asset will provide much-needed economic development opportunities in our area, thereby enhancing the sustainability of our community,” he said.

The town and Simpcw will use the frontage land for economic development. The land covers 116 acres divided into 13 lots of varying sizes. Nine of them will go to Barriere, two to the Simpcw First Nation and two will be kept by the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure for ongoing use as a gravel pit and salt storage for highway maintenance.

“We are pleased to have the opportunity based on our right, to create economic benefit for the Simpcw people through this development,” said Chief Rita Matthew.