Nechako Region

The Nechako Region is the second-largest economic development region in British Columbia and covers an area of 200,023 km2, from the Nechako plateau, in central British Columbia, northward to the border with Yukon Territory.

[1] "Nechako" is an anglicization of netʃa koh, a Carrier word that means "big river.

The Nechako region extends from the geographical center of British Columbia (near Prince George) to the border of the Yukon.

Vanderhoof is found at the geographical centre of the province about the same latitude as Edmonton, and on the same longitude as Nanaimo.

community, except in the Peace River Country, is so distant from mountains, enabling the people of Vanderhoof to enjoy a wide expanse of sky.

Such natural features are of significant influence on Vanderhoof's economic development, particularly in tourism.

Vanderhoof is the gateway to outdoor pursuits that include hiking, mountain biking, and camping.

Slight signs of urban development can only be found in the few cities and towns located along the same highway.

Temporary layoffs, loss of jobs, and even shut downs all had to be executed because of supply and demand.

In 2008, a majority of forestry operations had to be halted because of a significant drop in demand of forest products.

With the tariffs between Mexico, the United States, and Canada eradicated, countless dollars have been saved from imports and exports.

In addition to transporting lumber, Nechako also has its part in fishing and mining, both of which are affected by NAFTA.

The surroundings of Atlin is vast wilderness, containing lakes, mountains, glaciers, plateaus and valleys.

Some people may come to Burns Lake to hunt for agate and opal rocks at the Eagle Creek Deposits.

The natural resource based economy mostly relied on forestry, agriculture and tourism.

For example, under the Lumber Manufacturing category, they are currently constructing a turnkey sawmill and planer complex for Slocan, Quesnel, British Columbia and Yakima Forest Products.

Nechako Mechanical Ltd. has their equipment used by other regions such as Russia, Washington, Oregon, Idaho and California.

There were ancient volcanic actions and the cone-shaped Cutoff Butte north of Knewstubb Lake is a significant landmark indicating an aboriginal trail.

Three major rivers are the Nechako, in the centre, the Blackwater, to the south, and the Entiako, to the west.

There are close to 1000 lakes, big and small, and the waters of several streams and creeks fall down in beautiful waterfalls.

In addition to the lakes and rivers, numerous mountains and valleys are also part of the geographical landscape of Nechako.

Prince George serves as a main service and supply center to the Nechako region.

It also provides many regional government health care services and post secondary education.

As with many other parts of British Columbia, the Nechako region consists of numerous kinds of industrial activity.

Primary, secondary and tertiary activities all show glimpses of existence within Nechako even though they may not have an equal part in the economy.

Nechako is flooded with trees throughout making it one of British Columbia's largest industries.

British Columbia's most valuable mining products are Coal, Copper, Petroleum, and natural gas.