New FrontCounter BC Office in Quesnel

Cariboo residents will now find it even easier to access government services with the official opening of a brand-new FrontCounter BC office in Quesnel.

FrontCounter BC is a single-window service for clients of the natural resource sector. FrontCounter BC was created in 2005 with eight locations, a dedicated call centre and online applications.

This year, FrontCounter BC is expanding to more locations across B.C. Today’s opening in Quesnel is a key part of the Province’s new, integrated approach to the natural resource sector.

FrontCounter BC, 322 Johnston Ave, Quesnel: http://flic.kr/p/9P1SQ4

Quotes:

Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Steve Thomson –

“Resource development is a backbone of the Cariboo economy. Our one-stop office provides better services for clients for everything from land applications to Christmas tree licences.”

Quesnel Mayor Mary Sjostrom –

“Quesnel is open for business investment and economic development opportunities. We needed an office like FrontCounter BC to help attract and support resource business in the Cariboo. Having FrontCounter BC here will make it easier to work collaboratively with the Province to support economic growth.”

Mine Superintendent for Barkerville Gold Mines, Tom Hatton –

“The FrontCounter BC staff are specifically trained and knowledgeable in authorizations required by natural resource clients for mining, forestry, agriculture, water and land. Clients can think of the staff at the counter as their direct link to B.C.'s natural resource ministries and agencies.”

Quick Facts:

· FrontCounter BC offers more than 130 natural resource-related permits and authorizations at each location.

· FrontCounter BC provides services on behalf of 16 additional partner agencies.

· Since Jan. 1, 2005, over 38,000 authorizations have been processed.

· The FrontCounter BC call centre handles more than 21,400 inquiries annually.

· In 2010, FrontCounter BC ranked third nationally in client satisfaction for all government services.

Watch this short video on FrontCounter BC: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjFrUY7zbQU

Find a FrontCounter near you: http://www.frontcounterbc.gov.bc.ca/contact/locations.html

Learn More:

· FrontCounter BC: http://www.frontcounterbc.gov.bc.ca/
· Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations: http://www.gov.bc.ca/for/index.html