The community also has a full-service recreation center and many kilometers of walking trails. “Our work-life balance is exceptional. We’re a resource-based economy, a lot of logging, some oil and gas, agriculture, coal mining, that kind of thing,” describes Chief Administrative Officer, Steve McLain, “But we’re kind of a sleeper because we’re a small community with a lot of amenities.” ARTS, CULTURE, AND DIVERSITY “Chetwynd is an enjoyable community. We’re remote and rural, but we have a thriving art scene,” McLain shares, proudly noting that the municipality holds the title of the “Chainsaw Carving Capital of the World.” Each June, the community hosts an international chainsaw carving championship, resulting in an impressive collection of hundreds of ten-foot-high chainsaw carvings that line the streets. Chetwynd is a diverse community, with Indigenous people comprising 30% of the population. “Our mayor is the first Indigenous mayor in the province of British Columbia, and he’s currently serving his second term,” McLain elaborates.“In the last election, Mayor Courtoreille had a strong majority vote. It was about 66% who voted for him.” The district partners with local First Nations communities on various initiatives including projects like the community forest, which is a collaboration between the West Moberly First Nations, the Saulteau First Nations, and the District of Chetwynd. PROMOTING THE COMMUNITY Supporting locals is a key focus in Chetwynd, and the district looks to area radio station Peace FM, along with media partner EnergeticCity in Fort St. John and CJDC-TV in Dawson Creek, to help promote shopping locally and highlight community events. The Chetwynd Visitor’s Center, which is affiliated with B.C.Tourism is another valuable resource, helping to promote the businesses and events in the area. “Our economic development officer really helps us, and we have a very active Chamber of Commerce in Chetwynd as well,” McLain portrays. “We’re always there to help welcome business to town. And I’m lucky to have a mayor and council that I work for that 3 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 08 CHETWYND, BC
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTI5MjAx