2000

Single-industry, resource-based towns remain a dominant feature in Canada's north. Many of these towns struggle with the dual pressures of single-industry dependence and resource sector restructuring. To move away from this position, attention is now being given to providing people with information about the kinds of changes occurring within their community so that they can deal with risk factors, ameliorate negative impacts, and plan for their town's future. This report looks at one issue facing many small resource towns - the loss of population to larger centres - and provides information which local decision-makers can use to build strategies suited to their community. In particular, this study looks at the phenomena of “extra-community” commuting in Mackenzie, British Columbia, among employees of the major forest product facilities. The research was a partnership between UNBC, the District of Mackenzie, the Mackenzie Chamber of Commerce, and the three major forest industry firms and their union locals operating in town.

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