Standing Up for Rural Communities: Forestry, Water, and Budget Priorities

Talking to High School students in my constituency is a great way to strengthen community from its roots.

Across Boundary-Similkameen, communities are facing real pressure. From forestry and job security, to water affordability, infrastructure costs, and the future of rural services, people are looking for practical action and a strong voice in Victoria.

Over the past several weeks, I have been focused on raising these issues in the Legislature and working with local partners, industry, and government to help move solutions forward.

Encouraging News for Forestry Workers in Grand Forks

There has been encouraging news from the Interfor mill, with a second shift now underway and the planer expected to return to two shifts by the end of the month.

Most importantly, this means workers are getting back on the job and new hires are joining them. That is good news for families, for Grand Forks, and for the broader regional economy.

Forestry remains a vital part of Boundary-Similkameen and rural British Columbia. These are not just industry numbers on a page. They are paycheques, family-supporting jobs, local businesses, and communities that depend on a working land base.

I want to thank Interfor for continuing to work with all levels of government to keep the mill operating. There is still more work ahead, especially when it comes to securing reliable log supply, but this is a positive step forward.

“Forestry jobs are family-supporting jobs, and reliable log supply remains critical to keeping rural communities working.”

Water and Wastewater Systems Must Be Treated as Essential Infrastructure

MLA Donegal Wilson raises the importance of affordability, water and wastewater infrastructure, and funding support for the BC Water & Waste Association during Estimates.

Water and wastewater systems are essential to every community. They are tied directly to public health, housing, environmental protection, emergency readiness, and long-term affordability.

During Estimates, I raised the importance of the BC Water & Waste Association and the critical role they play in supporting the professionals who keep these systems safe, reliable, and sustainable across British Columbia.

I was pleased to secure the Minister’s support to restore funding for this important association.

This matters deeply for rural communities. Smaller communities are often asked to maintain essential infrastructure with limited tax bases, aging systems, and rising costs. When water and wastewater costs increase, those costs are ultimately felt by local governments, ratepayers, families, and businesses.

Safe, reliable water systems should never be treated as an afterthought.

Bringing Boundary-Similkameen Priorities Into Budget 2027

As Deputy Chair of the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services, I also want to encourage residents, businesses, local governments, non-profits, farmers, forestry workers, and community organizations in Boundary-Similkameen to take part in the Budget 2027 consultation.

Written submissions are open until June 19, and participants can submit up to three recommendations for the next provincial budget.

For our region, this is an important opportunity to raise issues such as rural infrastructure, roads, water systems, forestry, agriculture, health care, housing, affordability, tourism, and emergency preparedness.

The closest public hearings for our area are:

Kelowna
June 15
8:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Coast Capri Hotel

Castlegar
June 15
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
The Confluence Building

Even if you are not presenting at a hearing, you can still submit written input online.

Submit your input here:
la-bc.ca/consultations

Rural Communities Need Practical Support

The issues facing Boundary-Similkameen are connected.

Forestry jobs depend on access to fibre and a government that understands resource communities. Water and wastewater systems depend on long-term planning, fair funding, and technical support. Local governments and residents need provincial budgets that reflect the realities of rural British Columbia.

That is the work I will continue to do: listening to communities, raising practical concerns in Victoria, and pushing for solutions that reflect the needs of the people who live here.

Boundary-Similkameen deserves policies that are grounded in reality, respect rural life, and support the people who keep our communities moving.