2.0 NORTH CARIBOO DESCRIPTION

2.1 REGIONAL PROFILE

2.1.1 PHYSICAL FEATURES

· Physiography

The Quesnel Forest District is almost entirely comprised of portions of the Interior Plateau, accompanied by a small section of the Columbia Mountains in the extreme eastern portions of the district. Within the district, the Interior Plateau is represented by three subdivisions, the Fraser Basin, Fraser Plateau and Quesnel Highland.

The Fraser Basin occupies the lower elevations generally below 1,000 meters and flanks the major drainages such as the Fraser, Blackwater and lower Quesnel Rivers.  The Fraser Basin is generally an area of deep glacial deposits with a flat to gently rolling surface. Drainage is often poorly organized and small lakes, swamps and wetlands are common.  The Fraser River and lower sections of its tributary streams have incised themselves below the surface of the lowland creating relatively steep areas where local relief is several hundred meters.

Above 1,000 meters, the Fraser Lowland gives way to the Fraser Plateau, which extends westward to form about half the area of the forest district. Small portions of the Plateau are also found east of the Fraser River. Similar to the Fraser Lowland, the Fraser Plateau is also mostly flat to gently rolling and composed of deep deposits of glacial drift. Drumlins and eskers often provide the main vertical relief. The underlying bedrock is basalt lava that sometimes shows at the surface as cliffs along drainages and rocky escarpments. To the southwest two shield volcanoes rise above the plateau at Far Mountain and Downton Mountain. The summit elevations of these distinctive features are between 2,350 and 2,400 meters.

Thirty-five kilometers east of Quesnel, the Fraser Plateau borders the Quesnel Highland, a mountainous area that is transitional between the Plateau to the west and the Columbia Mountains to the east. Most summits are rounded but a few of the highest peaks are above 2,100 meters such as Mount Tinsdale and Two Sisters Mountain and have serrated peaks and cirque erosional features.

A small section of the Cariboo Mountains (a subdivision of the Columbia Mountains) are found in eastern portions of the forest district around the Bowron Lake chains and upper Matthew River. This is a rugged area of high summits and deep valleys where local relief frequently exceeds 1,500 meters. The Cariboo Mountains were intensely glaciated and the summits, which are often over 2,300 meters elevation, feature serrated peaks, sculptured cirque basins and remnant glaciers, especially on north-facing slopes.

Soil in the west portion of the study area includes predominantly Classes 5 and 6.  (Class 5 soils are defined as having very severe limitations that restrict their capability to producing perennial forage crops.  Class 6 soils are capable only of producing perennial forage crops.)  Soils in the east tend to be Class 6 and 7 where Class 7 soils have no capability for arable culture or pasture.

· Climate

The Quesnel Forest District lies on the leeward side of the Coast Mountains and is consequently relatively dry. There are periodic incursions of moist maritime air alternating with cold Arctic air invasions in the winter.  The climate in the area is characterized by long, cold winters and warm summers.  Precipitation is generally distributed somewhat evenly through the seasons although areas on the Fraser Plateau tend to experience a wet season in late spring and early summer.  Thunderstorms can be common during the warmest summer months. Precipitation increases significantly towards the mountainous areas in the east.

Summer daytime temperatures frequently exceed 15ºC but frost may occur in any month of the year. Winter temperatures of -20ºC are common and -40ºC is not uncommon. Precipitation varies widely, mainly depending upon elevation.  On the plateau, annual precipitation is commonly 50cm with winter snow accumulations of 60cm.  On the Quesnel Highland precipitation increases to 100cm and in the Cariboo Mountains it may exceed 400cm.

· Rivers And Lakes

The Quesnel Forest District lies entirely within the Fraser River drainage. The Fraser bisects the area in a north-south direction and provides the main transportation corridor in terms of railroad and highway access. To the west, drainage is provided by streams of modest flow, reflecting the relatively low amounts of precipitation.  The Blackwater River is the major tributary draining the Fraser Plateau. In turn, its tributaries include the Nazko, Coglistiko, Baezaeko and Clisbako rivers. Several smaller streams such as Baker and Narcosli creeks drain directly into the Fraser River from the west.

To the east, the Quesnel and Cottonwood rivers are the main Fraser tributaries that drain the Quesnel Highland and Cariboo Mountains These are relatively large rivers in terms of volume because of the higher precipitation on the eastern mountains. Both rivers have numerous medium-sized tributaries including the Cariboo and Matthew rivers (Quesnel drainage) and the Swift River and Lightning Creek (Cottonwood drainage). To the northeast, headwater sections of the Willow and Bowron rivers are found that flow northward out of the forest district.

There are numerous lakes of various sizes throughout the forest district. Generally, the plateau and lowland areas have the greatest density of lakes but most are small in size; many are ponds, sloughs or marshes. However, there are dozens of lakes that are one or a few kilometers in length and there are several such as Tsacha, Titetown, Tzenzaicut and Dragon lakes that are close to ten or more kilometers long. The largest lakes are in the eastern portion of the forest district associated with the Bowron chain in the Cariboo Mountains. These include Bowron, Indian Point, Isaac (at 40 kilometers long, the largest in the forest district), Lanezi, Sandy, Babcock and Spectacle lakes that form the well known, 110 kilometer-long Bowron canoe route.

· Flora And Fauna

The Quesnel Forest District is made up of several biogeoclimatic zones that are mainly distributed by elevation zones. The Sub-Boreal Spruce zone dominates the lower and middle elevations, although there are also elements and transitions to the Sub-Boreal Pine-Spruce and Montane Spruce zones. Generally, the forests are dominated by dense stands of white spruce or by transitional forests of lodgepole pine. Fine-textured soils and disturbed areas support trembling aspen and paper birch. Often, the forest understory is well developed with a rich variety of shrubs and herbs. Douglas fir is common to the lower elevations such as in the Fraser Lowland. With increasing elevation, the Englemann Spruce-Alpine Fir zone is found where Englemann spruce and some alpine fir become the dominant tree species. The western slopes of the Cariboo Mountains and the Quesnel Highland support relatively moist western red cedar and western hemlock forests associated with the Interior Cedar Hemlock zone. At the highest elevations treeless Alpine Tundra areas prevail.

Moose, mule deer and black bear are prevalent throughout most of the forest district. Grizzly bears are common to eastern sections of the district accompanied by mountain goat at the higher elevations. Small populations of caribou also occur in the eastern sections. The Fraser Plateau provides extensive habitats for a wide range of waterfowl, water birds and shorebirds. Almost all the lakes and rivers contain good populations of rainbow trout, kokanee and Dolly Varden char.  A major feature of the region is salmon runs in the Fraser River and its tributaries, especially the Quesnel River.

2.1.2 SOCIO-ECONOMIC DESCRIPTION

The study area is heavily based on forestry, but also has a strong service and retail trade sector.  Forestry is reported to account for about two-thirds of economic activity in the region (direct and indirect), and officially accounts for about 30% direct of employment.  This is a very large proportion of jobs concentrated in the forest sector, which is about three times higher than the provincial average.  The largest employers include West Fraser Timber, Slocan Forest Products, Cariboo Pulp and Paper, and Quesnel River Pulp.  The area has five sawmills, two pulp mills, two veneer/plywood plants, and two value-added facilities.

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The second largest sector in Quesnel, in terms of employment, is “accommodation and food” at nearly 13%.  This is considerably higher than both the regional average (9%) and the BC average (8%).  These two business sectors are components of the tourism, making the tourism industry the second largest employer in Quesnel.  Other major employers in the city include retail trade (11%), health and social services (9%), and transportation (6%).  The City of Quesnel had an experienced labour force of 4,085, and the regional district a total of 33,965 (both figures are 1996).  (The regional district includes Williams Lake and 100 Mile.)

The following chart (Table 2-1) represents employment distribution for the largest economic sectors for Quesnel, the Cariboo Regional District, and the province.

Table 2-1

Employment by Sector (1996)

Sector	Quesnel	Cariboo R D	BC
Primary Industry	8.6%	14.6%	5.7%
Agriculture	1.5%	5.0%	2.4%
Fishing & Trapping	0.2%	0.1%	0.5%
Logging/Forestry	5.5%	8.2%	2.1%
Mining	1.3%	1.3%	0.8%
Manufacturing	22.6%	17.1%	10.4%
Construction	5.8%	7.0%	7.5%
Transportation & Communication	6.4%	6.2%	7.5%
Wholesale Trade	2.6%	2.9%	4.8%
Retail Trade	11.4%	11.9%	12.5%
Finance, Insurance, Real Estate	4.0%	3.1%	5.8%
Business Services	2.4%	3.2%	6.8%
Government Services	4.2%	5.2%	5.9%
Educational Services	5.3%	6.7%	6.9%
Health & Social Services	8.7%	7.0%	9.5%
Accom./Food	12.9%	8.8%	8.4%

Source:  BC Stats,  Community and Regional Profiles.

Population growth has been modest with Local Health Area populations increasing from 26,396 in the last census year (1996), to 27,837 in 2000, representing an annual increase of approximately 1% per year.  Quesnel represents nearly half of the total at 11,283 within city limits with an additional 3,000 to 4,000 in the surrounding area.

Average incomes have been similar to the provincial average at around $37,500 per person (1997).  However, BC has lost considerable ground in terms of real (after inflation) personal disposable income throughout the 1990s.  (Provincial real disposable income per capita declined 7% from 1992 to 1998.)

2.1.3 FUTURE OUTLOOK

The economy and population of the area is expected to exhibit the slow growth trends of the recent past.  The drivers of the economy are expected to continue to be forestry (including increased reliance on value-added activity), tourism, and the service industries.  There is also expected to be growth in agriculture, high technology, education and the retirement sector.  (Sources:  Cariboo-Chilcotin Land Use Plan and Quesnel CEDC Development Strategy.)

Population growth is forecast to be modest, increasing from 27,837 in the year 2000 to 28,847 by 2005, and 29,787 by 2010.  (Source:  BC Stats – Population projections by Local Health Area.).  This represents an aggregate growth of 1,950 people over the decade for an annual average growth rate of 0.7%.  By comparison, the provincial population is expected to increase from 4.1 million in 2000 to over 4.8, an average annual growth rate of 1.8%.

The following descriptions represent likely futures for the study area over the next five to ten years, by economic sector.  (Sources:  Quesnel CEDC Development Strategy and Cariboo-Chilcotin Land Use Plan.)

· Forestry

Forestry will continue to be the most important industry in the Quesnel Region.  Due to the healthy timber supply of the Quesnel Forest District, it is expected that investment by large forest companies will continue.  Short-term harvest levels are likely to increase due to a current Mountain Pine Beetle infestation.  Salvage and control harvesting of infested stands could be extensive through the western portion of the region.

As a result of an increase in harvesting, there will be an increase in employment in the logging industry as well as in silvaculture work.  Strategies such as the Timber Enhancement Strategy will look at options to increase harvesting opportunities.  Furthermore, there may be opportunities for utilization of hardwoods and softwood species if market conditions are favourable.

In the short-term, and perhaps longer, the most significant issue facing the local forestry sector is the American countervailing duty case.  This case involves US allegations that BC lumber is unfairly subsidized, and as a consequence, the US forest industry wants duties applied to Canadian imports.  The case is currently before the US Department of Commerce.

· Mining

There will be continued dependence on world commodity market prices to determine the viability of individual mine prospects.  Mining exploration and development in the region have been much reduced through the 1990s from traditional levels, although there continues to be numerous small family run operations.  Implementation of the Land Use Plan could have a potential negative impact on the sector by restricting access to some areas of mineral potential.

There is a plan to develop an open-pit gold mine in Wells on Cow Mountain.  Development plans are underway, although operations will depend on obtaining environmental approvals, and on the price of gold.  The site is close enough to Wells that concerns exist regarding visibility, noise and dust.

· Agriculture

Continuation of grazing and hay production is expected to continue, although economic viability pressures are also expected to continue.  Increases in specialty products and more intensive agriculture, with growth in local and regional markets, are also expected.  Agriculture will likely remain an employer of up to 5% of the population.

· High Technology

There is a possibility of significant growth in the software, hardware and service components.  Although the high technology bubble of the late 1990s has burst, there is expected to be modest growth in his sector.  It is a very competitive sector with Greater Victoria and the Okanagan Valley being very successful in encouraging high technology companies to relocate.

Growth is dependent on improvements in high-speed internet connections – both wired and wireless, success in promoting the less expensive northern lifestyle, and improvements in air access capacity and lower fares.

· Retail and Commercial

Slow but steady growth is anticipated based on modest growth in regional population and on pass-through traffic.  Improvements in Quesnel’s downtown area are expected to contribute significantly to retail growth.

· Tourism

Tourism has good potential for growth – both in pass-through and destination markets.  Growth is anticipated in urban tourism based on continued improvements in downtown Quesnel.  Rural tourism growth is anticipated based on expansion of the adventure tourism and culture sectors.

Adventure tourism development is probably best suited for the soft adventure market.  This niche is targeted as the resources tend to be of regional/provincial significance, as opposed to national or international significance typically required for the hard or avid adventure market.

· Summary of Economic Outlook on Tourism

The main driver of the region’s economy will continue to be forestry.  The Land Use Plan is expected to assist in reducing conflicts between forestry and tourism, although land-based tourism will continue be very dependent on forested viewscapes.  Perhaps the most significant issue affecting forestry and tourism is the pine beetle infestation.  Infestations are currently minor, but expansion of the outbreak is possible, as is the resulting increased harvesting.  Depending on the locations, impacts on tourism viewscapes could be significant.

Mining needs to be cognizant of the visual, noise and dust impacts of its activity, particularly near population centers such as Wells.

Tourism is expected to increase its role as an employer and a generator of revenue.  It has strong potential, both encouraging pass through traffic to stay longer, and in destination-based tourism.  Guidance on assisting the expansion of existing, and of creating new, developments are provided in this document.

2.2 TOURISM PROFILE

2.2.1 TOURISM FACILITIES

In conjunction with this Tourism Opportunity Study, an inventory of tourism facilities has been prepared (by Clover Point Cartographics Ltd.).  The inventory was completed in November 2000 and updates information that was first collected in the mid 1990s.  The inventory was conducted by way of a locally administered survey which operators were asked to complete.  Inclusion in the inventory was voluntary but appears to be reasonably comprehensive resulting in a fairly thorough inventory.  Descriptive information is available for each facility included in the inventory and the following is a summary of facilities by type.

Table 2-2

Tourism Facility Type

Accommodation	Number	Attractions	Number
Hotels	9	Museum	2
Motels	14	Arts/Culture/Heritage	28
RV/Campgrounds	10
Lodge/Resorts	13	Industry	1
Camps	4	Golf	2
Huts/Cabins	1	Downhill Ski Facility	1
Cabins/Cottages	6	Cross Country Ski	3
Guest Ranches	2
Bed and Breakfasts	7
Other Accommodation	2

Source: Tourism Opportunity Strategy (Phase 1 – Inventory Update), Clover Point Cartographics, Nov. 2000.

The Quesnel Region has a mix of accommodation types.  The most common are motels, lodges/resorts and private campgrounds.  Hotels and motels are located primarily in the City of Quesnel, while the other types are more common in the rural areas of the region.  Although there has been one recent hotel development in Quesnel and at least two significant upgrades, most of the accommodation properties are older and of modest quality.  They have been suitable for the historic commercial and outdoors oriented markets, but may not match today’s more sophisticated adventure travellers’ needs.

Attractions are heavily oriented to the arts/culture/heritage category.  Nearly all of these are located in either Wells or Barkerville and include the tourist-oriented retail and service businesses that operate in heritage buildings.  Barkerville is by far the most significant built attraction, and is the largest heritage restoration project in BC.

The figures tallied in Table 2-2 above represent actual facilities by category.  It indicates that the region has a reasonable base of tourism accommodation but a much smaller inventory of attractions.  This is significant as it is indicative of the composition of the region’s tourism industry.  That is, travellers can be accommodated adequately, but outside of Barkerville, there are few attractions to encourage people to either visit or stay in the region.

Another tally method is to categorize the range of tourism products and tours that are offered commercially in the region.  Table 2-3 lists the number of operators that offer various kinds of outdoor products and tours.

Table 2-3

Tourism Products and Tours

Outdoor Products	Number	Tour Offerings	Number
Water-Based:		Guide-Outfitter	9
Boating (non-motorized)	5	River Rafting	1
Boating (motorized)	8	Marine Charters	4
Canoeing	11	Air Tours	2
Kayaking	2	Kayak/Canoe	7
Rafting	1	Bus/Van Tours	2
Fishing (general)	12	Hiking/Nature	7
Fishing (fly fishing)	2	Snowmobile	2
		Cycling	2
Snow-Based:		Horseback riding	4
Cross-Country Skiing	2	Ski Touring	1
Snow sports	2	Other	2
Ski Touring	1
Snowmobiling	4
Land-Based:
Hiking/Backpacking	11
Mountain biking	4
Horseback riding	6
Hunting	4
Wildlife Viewing	5

Source: Tourism Opportunity Strategy (Phase 1 – Inventory Update), Clover Point Cartographics, Nov. 2000.

It is noted that an outdoor tourism product is an activity that is offered commercially for which a fee is charged.  Also, the tallies above are from the recently completed inventory, which is a reasonable representation of the products available, but as with any voluntary inventory, is not 100% complete.  It is further noted that the products listed above are largely delivered by businesses and operators who reside in the region.  There are likely other operators who operate in the region but are based elsewhere.

In terms of outdoor products, the Quesnel region offers a range of land/snow/water-based products.  Over 40 water-based products are provided with the most common being fishing and canoeing.  Land-based products total 30 individual offerings and range from hiking to wildlife viewing with hiking/backpacking being the single most popular activity.  Snow-based products are less common (a total of nine offerings) and range from cross-country skiing to snowmobiling.

Is spite of this broad range of products, it is important to recognize that the majority of these are small-scale, part-time, and seasonal operations.  Most are owner-operators with a small number of part-time staff.  However, based on this analysis the top three most popular adventure tourism products are fishing, canoeing and backpacking.

2.2.2 TOURISM ACTIVITY AREAS

Also in conjunction with this Tourism Opportunity Study, an inventory of tourism activities has been prepared (by Clover Point Cartographics Ltd.).  This inventory was completed in November 2000 and updates information that was first collected in the mid 1990s. Activities differ from products in that they are based solely on the resource and do not depend on commercial use.  They relate solely to the suitability of the resources or landscape features for various kinds of recreation.

The tallies below are based on a combination of mapped point and area information.  The inventory was conducted using a number of published sources, and on information provided by knowledgeable local persons.  The following table lists the kinds of features found in the region.

Table 2-4

Tourism Activity Areas based on Recreational Features

Activities	Number	Activities	Number
Water-Based:		Land-Based:
Water Sports - General	33	Hiking/Backpacking	30
Beach Activities	3	Mountain biking	5
Boating (non-motorized)	8	Mineral Panning	12
Canoeing	55	Horseback riding	13
Kayaking	3	Scenic Viewing	40
Rafting	12	Wildlife Viewing	20
Swimming/Beach Activities	16	Cultural/Historical	109
Fishing - General	152
Snow Based:		Camping Activities:
Cross-Country Skiing	15	Camping -General	120
Dog Sledding	1	Cabins/Huts	20
Downhill Skiing	1
Ski Touring	6
Snowmobiling	10

Source: Tourism Opportunity Strategy (Phase 1 – Inventory Update  Database file), Clover Point Cartographics, Nov. 2000.

The table indicates that the region has a large range of resources, which can support a diverse number of recreational activities.  This tally is solely a quantitative inventory of the number of areas or sites where specific activities could occur.  Details on resource quality are not available, but generally the area is known for its moderate to high quality resources.  The most notable resources are the Bowron Lake canoe route in the east, and fly fishing locations in the west.  Based on this tally, the most widespread opportunities are for fishing, camping, and cultural/historical activities.

2.2.3 TOURISM PERFORMANCE

Due to the number and variety of businesses involved in the tourism industry, reliable measures of tourism performance are scarce.  Consequently the industry relies on indicators of activity in various components of tourism such as accommodation room revenue, park attendance, and highway traffic counts.

To measure visitor characteristics, the most current statistics are from the 1995 BC Visitor Study for the Cariboo Tourism Region.  Although this information is dated, it is thorough and covers a full twelve-month period.  It also is the only source for resident and non-resident travel at the regional level (although the Cariboo Tourism Region used in this study includes most of the Cariboo Regional District – an area much larger than the Quesnel TOS study area).  However, the tourism industry appears (based on subjective information) to have performed reasonably well through the 1990s.  The following are selected measures of tourism performance.

· Visitor Volumes and Characteristics  (Source: BC Visitor Study – Cariboo Region)

- Visitor Totals:  Approximately 1.7 million persons visited the Cariboo Region in 1995.  This figure included 1,040,000 BC residents and 684,000 non-residents.  About 6% of all visitors to and within the province visited the Cariboo Region.

- Tourism Revenue:  These visitors spent a total of nearly $200 million dollars, including $133 million by residents and $65 million by non-residents – about 2% of total provincial spending.

- Tourist Spending:  Residents spent about $40 per day and $128 per stay, while non-residents spent about $36 per day and $95 per stay in the region.

- Length of Stay:  Residents stayed 3.6 days in the region while non-residents stayed 2.6 days.

- Origin:  BC residents tended to be from the Lower Mainland (37%) and the South (33%).  Non-residents were from nearby provinces (31%) and nearby states (28%).  Long haul US residents represented 15% of the non-resident total while Europe made up another 14%.

- Purpose of Trip:  Visiting friends and relatives was the primary trip purpose for 41% of residents and 31% of non-residents.  Outdoor activities were popular with both groups at 29% and 23%, respectively.

- Visitor Characteristics:  BC Residents tended to be slightly younger (44 years vs. 46 years), slightly less well educated (55% with some post-secondary education vs. 77%) and slightly less well off (38% earning under $40,000 annually vs. 26%) than non-residents.

- Destination within the Cariboo Region:  Of all visitors to the Cariboo Region, 23% of residents and 35% of non-residents visited the study area (Cariboo North)

- Seasonality:  Tourists visit the region in all seasons:

Season	Resident	Non-Resident
Spring	14%	12%
Summer	58%	71%
Fall	9%	8%
Winter	18%	9%

· Tourism Room Revenue  (Source:  BC Stats - Room Revenue Report)

Tourism Room Revenue figures are based on the 8% accommodation tax collected on roofed tourism accommodation.  The figures represent the Cariboo Regional District and include all commercial accommodations of more than three units.  The figures indicate a modest increase in properties and rooms throughout the 1990s.  Room revenue (in current inflated dollars) has increased steadily for much of the 1990s but tailed off in 1998.  This represents a modest increase in room revenue through much of the 1990s, some of which would have been increased room rates rather than increased occupancy.

Year	Properties	Rooms	Revenue ($,000)
1992	132	2,076	$11,415
1993	137	2,069	$12,910
1994	141	2,057	$14,036
1995	135	2,000	$15,882
1996	144	2,196	$15,758
1997	146	2,173	$16,166
1998	142	2,192	$15,304

· Tourism Facility Use

Other than accommodation, little information exists on the performance of the tourism industry in the Quesnel region.  However, the few operators that responded to the question on “use” indicated that their business is highly seasonal, with usage reasonably good in the summer and much less busy in the spring and fall.  No information was available on winter products.

· Highway Traffic

The Ministry of Transportation and Highways monitors traffic flows on Highway 97 through the study area.  We have selected monitoring stations at both ends of the study area to reduce the effects of local traffic around Quesnel.  The following table represents summer average annual daily traffic.

Year	5.5km south of Stone Creek	1.8km north of Marguerite
1994	4954	4600
1995	5004	4500
1996	4995	4600
1997	5040	4600
1998	5040	4450

· Summary of Tourism Performance Factors

Tourism is a significant component of the regional economy and appears to have remained reasonably stable through the 1990s.  According to the Visitor Survey, approximately 480,000 travellers visited the North Cariboo (the Quesnel TOS study area).  This figure is comprised of 240,000 residents and an equal number of non-residents.  This is a significant number of persons and represents nearly 1.5 million person-days.

The main reasons people visit the area are to see friends and relatives, and to pursue outdoor activities.  Both of these trip purposes mesh with the adventure tourism focus of this report.  A broader range of commercial outdoor and cultural could be attractive to both of these traditionally strong market segments.  This information does not incorporate new markets that could be encouraged to visit the region based on new product developments.

2.3 TOURISM ADMINISTRATION

Due to the size, scope and diversity of tourism, there are a number of agencies that are involved with various facets of tourism administration.  For analytical purposes, these agencies have been grouped into the following categories:

- Local and regional tourism and economic development organizations

- Resource and regulatory agencies (grouped into provincial, crown corporation, federal and regional)

- Tourism programs

2.3.1 LOCAL AND REGIONAL TOURISM AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATIONS

A number of agencies and organizations have a role in the planning, marketing and regulating the industry.  The most significant of these agencies, and their mandates as they affect tourism, are as follows (in alphabetical order):

· Cariboo-Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association (CCCTA)

The Cariboo-Chilcotin-Coast Tourism Association is a Destination Marketing Organization based in Williams Lake and serving the area from Hixon to  Lillooet and from Wells-Barkerville to Bella Coola.  Its mandate is to promote and protect tourism and foster its positive growth.  It provides its members with cooperative marketing opportunities based on product-type, represents members at major travel shows, and lobbies government and other agencies on behalf of its members.  Given the range of adventure products in the Tourist Region, there is a direct link between this Association and the Quesnel TOS.  However, their mandate is heavily focused on marketing, and their ability to get involved with tourism development is limited.

· Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC)

Community Futures is a community owned and governed development corporation, committed to the development of a sustainable and diversified economy in the North Cariboo region.  Activities include:

· identifying and supporting initiatives to diversify the local economy,

· information resources and counselling support for small business,

· financial assistance for small business,

· the development of entrepreneurial skills and values

· providing services to existing and potential operators

· providing information on specific opportunities

· specific business training.

Tourism businesses (both expansions and new projects) would qualify for assistance in terms of skills development, business planning, and loans for appropriate businesses.  Specific loan programs exist for youth entrepreneurs, and persons with disabilities, both of which could have application to adventure/cultural tourism developments.

· Island Mountain Arts (IMA)

Although primarily a cultural organization that operates a gallery and school, IMA has also provided programs that have contributed to the development of the cultural sector.  They have organized conferences and workshops to assist artists in developing their businesses as well as research to develop the wood industry and the artisan-based value-added woodworking sector.

· Nazko Community

The community of Nazko has recently created a partnership between the Nazko Community Association, the Nazko Band Government, School District 28 and Human Resources Development Canada to develop a community centre.  The Centre intends to offer programming that will increase visits to the Nazko Valley, based on cultural tourism focusing on the area’s history and natural setting.

· Quesnel Community and Economic Development Corporation (QCEDC)

The mandate of the QCEDC is development of the local economy by working with existing business to grow, expand and develop and by attracting new businesses, entrepreneurs and investment to the area.  It strives to build the capacity for long term planning in the tourism sector, develop tourism infrastructure that will enhance the destination appeal of Quesnel, and help coordinate marketing and program development.  Its geographic coverage is the City of Quesnel and the District  (The “District” is meant to cover the greater Quesnel area but does not include Wells or Nazko).

· Quesnel and District Chamber of Commerce

The Chamber of Commerce is a member driven business organization whose mandate is to undertake those programs that will effectively promote Quesnel and District to improve trade, commerce and the welfare of its citizens.  Tourism is a focus of the Quesnel Chamber and they participate in marketing initiatives such as the North Cariboo Marketing Strategy on behalf of their members.  They had a major involvement in the recent BC Winter Games and annually stage Billy Barker Days – a four day community and tourism festival.

· Quesnel Tourism Information Centre (TIC)

The City of Quesnel operates a year round tourism information centre in the Quesnel Museum and Archives.  Located in LeBourdias Park, this high profile site is one of the main points of contact with visitors to the North Cariboo.  (It is noted that during the course of this analysis, operation and management of the TIC has been taken over by the QCEDC.)

· Wells and District Chamber of Commerce

This organization has a membership of business from Wells, Barkerville and Bowron Lake.  It produces brochures marketing the area, promotes SuperHost training, and is currently developing a ‘portal’ website for the area.  Wells is also one of the original three (and current six) “Gateway” communities in the province.   The Gateway program is an extension of the Ministry of Small Business, Tourism and Culture’s larger ecotourism and adventure travel strategy established in 1999, and supports the governments green economy initiative.  The program provides financial assistance to allow these communities to identify local and regional tourism assets and projects that will promote ecotourism.  Wells is implementing their business plan which focuses on culture and adventure tourism initiatives.

· First Nations Bands

At the outset of the study, contacts were made with the First Nations bands in the study area to explain the project and encourage their participation.  None of the bands were interested in participating in the project.  It is noted, however, that adventure tourism represents a significant opportunity for First Nations in terms of business and economic development.

2.3.2 RESOURCE/REGULATORY AGENCIES

There are several agencies that are involved in land management issues that affect land-based tourism.  These agencies have a particularly significant impact on adventure tourism in the areas of access, tenure and regulation.  The agencies that have the most direct impact on tourism development – and the scope of their jurisdiction – are as follows  (Sources:  Agency websites and, Adventure Tourism Handbook (Draft), , and The Williams Lake Forest District Tourism Opportunity Strategy, 2001)

Provincial Agencies:

· BC Parks  (MELP)

BC Parks is a branch of the Ministry of the Environment, Lands and Parks (MELP).  Under the Parks Act, BC Parks “is responsible for designation, management, and conservation of a system of ecological reserves, protected parks, and recreation areas located throughout the province”.  In managing these areas, BC Parks provides a number of tourism-related programs and products for the inspiration, use and enjoyment of the public.  Such programs fall under the categories of conservation, outdoor recreation and education/interpretation.

BC Parks permits appropriate commercial recreation tourism activities within Provincial Parks.  (An appropriate activity is one that traditionally occurred in the park and/or is deemed compatible with BC Parks’ values.)  Commercial activity is intended to provide the public with the opportunity to appreciate the natural and cultural heritage of the parks.  Although guidelines vary, all private sector services must be consistent with the objectives of the park as outlined in their management plan.  However, the four new protected areas designated in the Land Use Plan do not yet have completed management plans.

Many areas within protected areas are available for commercial recreation.  Private sector involvement in BC Parks may be via invitation if it is to supply exclusive services, or a proponent may submit an unsolicited proposal.  BC Parks will assess the merits of the proposal based on consideration of the type of activity, its size and location, the anticipated impacts on BC Parks and on other agencies, the effects on similar operations in or near the park, and compatibility with the management plan.

For commercial operations in new parks, BC Parks uses the announcement date of the Cariboo Chilcotin Land Use Plan (CCLUP) of October 24, 1994 as the effective date.  Proponents claiming pre-existing operating rights need to demonstrate that they were operating prior to that date.

· Wildlife Branch (MELP)

The number of wildlife species, habitats and ecosystems inherent to BC are key resources for the tourism industry.  Under the Wildlife Act, the Wildlife Branch is responsible for managing and conserving BC’s native species and habitats, providing the public with opportunities to use and enjoy wildlife, and balancing wildlife needs with human activity. Such responsibilities are carried out via three main program areas consisting of biodiversity conservation, wildlife management and extension.  The key wildlife issue in the study area relate to caribou.  This includes Woodland Caribou issues in Itcha Ilgachuz ranges and Mountain Caribou in the Bowron Lake area.

· BC Fisheries  (MAFF)

BC Fisheries is part of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries (MAFF) and leads the provincial government's efforts to build and sustain diverse and healthy native fish populations, and to develop and diversify the fisheries and aquaculture sector.  British Columbia exercises delegated authority for the management of the non-salmon freshwater fisheries - with responsibility shared between BC Fisheries and the Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks - and regulates fish buying, vending and processing activities, aquaculture business and aquatic plants. The federal government - Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) - regulates both the commercial and recreational tidal water fisheries.

A key role that BC Fisheries plays in the tourism industry is the preservation, management, and development of sport recreational fishing and harvesting activities.  The province is currently conducting a review of the Angling Guide Management System and Classified Waters.  The aim of the review is to evaluate government's role in managing the freshwater guiding industry and angler effort on B.C.'s special waters and develop ways to improve and enhance the system.

BC Fisheries is also working on a Fisheries Strategy which is setting a vision for freshwater fishing, including the sports commercial sector.  It is also defining the role of the various government agencies for the recreational angler and sports fishing businesses.

· Forest District Offices (MOF)

Public recreation in BC’s forests falls under the responsibility of the Forest Service. In doing this, the Forest Practices Branch, in conjunction with forest district offices, provides recreational opportunities; carries out inventory and mapping studies related to visual and recreation resources; monitors recreation related procedures and the health of recreation resources; manages a network of recreation sites and trails; and provides the public with relevant recreation related information.

The Quesnel Forest District has recently (1998) completed Recreation Plans for both the east (Cottonwood East) and west (Quesnel West) portions of the District.  These detailed plans describe the key recreational issues and management priorities within each area.  Specific analysis is devoted to commercial backcountry recreation opportunities (which have been included in this TOS report).  These reports are available from the Ministry of Forests Office in Quesnel.

·  British Columbia Assets and Lands (BCAL)

The Land Management Division, in conjunction with the Crown Lands Branch of MELP, jointly administers the Land Act and is responsible for the delivery of a wide variety of Crown Lands programs and policies, ranging from residential development to commercial recreation use.  Its mandate is to make crown land available for economic growth and public benefit.

The Division’s main relationship with the tourism industry arises with respect to the delivery of programs and policies related to the use of Crown land for tourism purposes.   Since late 1998, BCAL has been responsible for managing commercial recreation and development opportunities.  BCAL is responsible for administration of the Commercial Recreation on Crown Land Policy, approved May 1998.  The stated vision of this policy is to create “an environment that is naturally diverse and healthy, and enriches people’s lives”.

The policy is described in a 37-page report available from the Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks.  It provides details on applicant eligibility, investigative use permits, temporary use permits, license of occupation, and leases.  It also deals with tourism land use planning issues, adjudication of applications, issuing of tenures, and monitoring.

The policy applies to all forms of outdoor recreation activities to be carried out on provincial Crown land on a fee-for-service basis.  The policy does not apply to operations using Crown land for less than 14 days in a six month period, and makes no modifications to the landscape, and does not use motorized equipment, and does not use livestock or bicycles other than on designated trail systems.

The strategic principles guiding implementation of this policy are:

- Protecting and maintaining environmental integrity

- Maintaining public access and use

- Ensure that new applications are compatible with existing businesses

- Provide for environmentally sustainable commercial recreation

- Involve the public interests through a consultative process

- Involve other land use agencies in the reviews

- Provide economic development opportunities for First Nations

- Ensure compatibility with land use planning initiatives

The policy is intended to reduce land based recreation conflicts and to provide commercial operators with greater certainty about their rights.  For each type of permit, information is provided on the rights granted, applicability, term, pricing, requirements and responsibilities, referrals and advertising, tenure replacement and sub-tenuring.  This is an important document and prospective adventure tourism operators are encouraged to obtain it.

· Tourism Policy and Land Use Branch (MSBTC)

The Ministry of Small Business, Tourism & Culture (MSBTC) is responsible for promoting the province’s tourism, small business and cultural development.  Through its various Branches, the Ministry works to promote tourism and cultural development and expansion by representing the tourism/cultural sector in land use planning, government policy development and government economic development initiatives.  The Tourism Policy and Land Use Branch encourages tourism expansion through a variety of initiatives, including implementation of the Ministry’s provincial ecotourism strategy.

· Cultural Services Branch (MSBTC)

BC’s extremely diverse culture is a significant contributor to the tourism industry and attracts millions of visitors to the Province’s museums, art galleries, cultural events and festivals, theatre productions, and cultural villages.  The Cultural Services Branch administers a number of programs which support the development and promotion of the cultural industry sector.  Such programs provide the industry with operating and project assistance, travel assistance, tax credits, and financial support.  The Branch also provides management for the BC Arts Council and the BC Cultural Foundation.  The Branch operates Cottonwood House and Barkerville in the study area.

The Heritage Conservation Branch and the BC Heritage Trust administer projects that support the preservation of the provinces heritage resources, including financial assistance to the planning and implementation of capital heritage restoration projects.

Crown Corporations

· Tourism British Columbia

Tourism BC is the province’s tourism marketing agency.  It conducts advertising, public relations, familiarization tours and trade shows, and produces a number of marketing publications.  The agency maintains the 1-800 reservation and information system and supports a network of Information Centres.  It also conducts market and industry performance research, tourism product analysis, SuperHost training, and accommodation inspections.  In addition to these services, other activities in the Quesnel region include the annual “Road Show” dealing with marketing and development issues, and the Tourism Indicators publication, which documents periodic tourism performance.  Tourism BC also works with its affiliate regional associations to create packages and market the regions.

· BC Rail

The leading commercial service providing access to the provincial destinations by rail is the BC Rail Crown Corporation.  BC Rail is Canada’s fourth largest railway service and comprises a total of five passenger train services.  These passenger trains service a number of communities,  between Prince George and Vancouver..  Stops at Quesnel are scheduled for the passenger service and for the tourist excursion – the Cariboo Prospector.  However, the Whistler Northwind excursion does not stop in Quesnel.  BC Rail also provides interline connections to all rail-served points in North America.

· Forest Renewal BC

BC’s forests provide extensive opportunities for the tourism industry and occupy a large portion of the Province’s land base. FRBC is an investment agency which supports the renewal of forest resources.  Investments are categorized within the areas of communities and workforce, value added, and forest environment and land-based activities.

· PavCo

The Pavillion Corporation (PavCo) serves as BC’s leader in the meeting and events industry through the operation and management of five public and event tourism facilities: BC Place Stadium, Robson Square, Bridge Studios, Tradex and the Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre.  The Corporation also provides third party advice in regards to the management of tourism related facilities, specifically with respect to marketing, operations and human resources.  PavCo has recently been contracted to assess the market opportunities for catering to regional meetings, conferences and conventions in Quesnel.

Federal Agencies

· Human Resources Development Corporation (HRDC)

HRDC’s main objective is to “enhance employment, encourage equality and promote social security”.  The tourism industry falls under the umbrella of many of the agency’s programs, including: Grants and Contributions, Income Support, Services to Employers and Entrepreneurs, and Work and Job Access.  The Quesnel Human Resource Centre has been involved in a number of tourism related initiatives through their Job Creation Partnership Program (EI top-up) including the Quesnel Antique Machinery Park, the development of the new Wells Museum, the Nazko Community Centre, and the restoration of the Wells Community Hall.  In addition many attractions and tourism operators use the Summer Career Placement program which provides wage subsidies for hiring students.

Recent changes to HRDC policy may affect the usefulness of their programs to the tourism industry.  The Labour Market Partnership Program which had previously been used to fund research and capacity building that contributed to long-term job creation can now only by used of very focused labour market research.  There is currently one project in the region that is peripherally related to tourism – a study of the cultural labour force in the region and its needs.

Regional Agencies

· Cariboo Regional District

Regional district government is responsible for administering regional services, controls, and regulations for residents.  Services of the Cariboo Regional District include land development, economic development, fire protection and libraries.  Services having a tourism implication include regional parks and recreation, recreation facilities, and land use planning.

· City of Quesnel and District of Wells

Municipal governments are responsible for administering civic services for residents.  Services and regulations affecting tourism development include land use planning, zoning, taxation and economic development services.

2.3.3 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND TOURISM PROGRAMS

In addition to the organizations and agencies listed above, there are other groups or programs that have a role in tourism.

· Cariboo Economic Action Forum  (CEAF)

This group of economic stakeholders came together after the completion of the Cariboo-Chilcotin Land Use Plan to “improve the region’s social and economic status by aiding the development of healthier communities, strong businesses in all sectors of the economy and good livelihoods for all residents”.  CEAF works to fulfill that mission by striving to increase private and public investment in the region, encouraging sustainable and effective use of resources, and expanding Cariboo-Chilcotin influence over private and public policies and programs that affect development of the region.

Tourism, in particular cultural tourism, has been identified as a CEAF priority through their annual stakeholders conference.  CEAF also administers the BC Community Enterprise Program (Ministry of Community Development, Cooperatives and Volunteers) within the Region.  Projects are funded based on the priorities within the CEAF work plan of which tourism is one.  Tourism-related projects supported to date include:

- Clinton to Wells Snowmobile Trail pilot project

- Flying Horse Gallery (Horsefly) development

- Wells Community Hall Restoration

- Arts/Adventure Learning Vacations pilot study

- Wells Woodworking School pilot study

In addition, CEAF lobbies on issues that may be blocking sector development.  CEAF was instrumental in having the Bella Coola ferry restored and in having telephone service extended to Nazko.  Transportation issues as identified by the tourism industry is a current topic for the May 2001 Stakeholders’ Meeting.

· Gold Rush Trail Development Cooperative

This initiative draws together tourism operators from New Westminster to Barkerville and Prince George in a common marketing effort to gain recognition for the original ‘Gold Rush Trail’ as an auto-touring destination similar to the Alaska Highway.  The group has incorporated as a legal cooperative and pooled marketing money to implement a marketing strategy that was completed in 1999.  To date they have published a guidebook – ‘The Gold Rush Journal’ – which will be an annual publication, implemented a print media campaign, designed pins, posters and other promotional material to increase the profile of the route.  They have also developed an image bank for use by members.

· North Cariboo Cooperative Marketing Strategy

This marketing effort brings together Quesnel, Wells-Barkerville-Bowron Lake and Nazko to gain recognition for the North Cariboo as an attractive destination.  The Quesnel Community and Economic Development Corporation now coordinates this initiative.  To date the group has created a new trade show booth and participated in several travel shows, developed graphic material and implemented a print media campaign,

2.4 SUMMARY OF FACTORS AFFECTING TOURISM DEVELOPMENT

The area has a broad and diverse inventory of resources on which to base tourism development.  This includes three distinct geographic regions of the Interior Plateau – the Fraser Plateau in the west, the Fraser Basin in the central portion, and the Quesnel Highlands in the east.  The region has a climate conducive to four-season tourism, the province’s most famous river (the Fraser River), two regionally significant rivers (the Blackwater and Quesnel Rivers), numerous productive fish lakes, and a rich heritage.

The region is heavily dependent on forestry although tourism has a solid base and offers good prospects to expand and diversify the economy.  The adventure tourism and culture components of tourism are the focus of this analysis and the region is well represented in these areas.  The region has the province’s largest heritage attraction (Barkerville), and an internationally famous remote canoe route (Bowron Lake chain).

The region has a mix of accommodation types and a variety of attractions.  Accommodations include hotels, motels, lodges and campgrounds.  Attractions are heavily oriented towards heritage-type amenities.  The top three most popular adventure tourism activities are fishing, canoeing and backpacking.

Tourism in the region is driven by three categories of visitors.  These include pass-through traffic, destination visitors, and persons visiting friends and relatives.  The pass-through market is the highway-oriented vehicle traffic travelling north and south on Highway 97.  The destination visitors are those persons fishing at the fly-in and road accessed lodges, canoeing in Bowron Lake Park, taking ranch vacations, and visiting Barkerville.  Persons visiting their friends and relatives are concentrated in the key population centre of Quesnel.

Summer generates about two-thirds of tourism business, while spring and winter account for about 15% each.  There are no comprehensive measures of tourism performance, however, there has been an increase in the number of accommodation properties and resulting room revenue.  Overall, tourism appears to have performed reasonably well over the last decade.

Numerous organizations and agencies are involved in the management and administration of tourism.  The key local agencies expected to have a role in advancing adventure tourism in the region are Quesnel Community and Economic Development Corporation, and the Community Futures Development Corporation.  The QCEDC could be the lead agency in delivering or implementing the action plan recommendations of this report.  CFDC could provide financial assistance on a project basis as allowed by their program guidelines.

The Cariboo-Chilcotin-Coast Tourist Association could assist in cooperative marketing and package development, while the Chamber of Commerce would represent the interests of new adventure tourism businesses.

In terms of Nazko, the three agencies developing the Community Centre would be logical bodies to further the implementation of adventure tourism in the west portion of the study area.  Determining local priorities and assisting with the approval process are two key actions.  In Wells the Gateway program is the key vehicle to promote and develop more adventure product, and to expand the market.

With the exception of CFDC, no agency has the mandate to help fund actual commercial developments.  This is a shortcoming as many adventure products start as one-person businesses, based on the interest, knowledge and desire of the proponent.

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