TNRD – $30 million in losses from wildfires, says recovery report

Posted on February 9, 2018 in Rothenburger, TNRD // 0 Comments

Elephant Hill fire as seen from Ashcroft.

Last year’s wildfires caused a $30-million economic loss, says a report on the Thompson-Nicola Regional District’s recovery efforts.

Myles Bruns told the TNRD board Thursday (Feb. 8, 2018) that most of the business losses were caused by interruptions to business operations. Sixteen percent of them were directly due to fires, and 8.5 per cent had business interruption insurance.

Bruns said about $21 million in sales was lost, and $1 million in wages.

Among suggestions for helping in the economic recovery were cutting red tape, creating a business continuity plan, and increased tourism marketing.

While some of the proposals are outside the TNRD’s jurisdiction, Bruns said the regional district has a role to play in advocating for them with other levels of government.

“The TNRD has done a phenomenal job” in responding to the aftermath of the wildfires, Bruns said.

— Mel Rothenburger, Director, Electoral Area P