We need a second
economic engine to back up our timber industry — especially in tough times like
these. That backup? Tourism. But not just any tourism — adventure
tourism. The kind that draws thousands. That fuels hotels, restaurants,
small businesses. That makes international headlines. That turns our
communities into year-round destinations for thrill seekers, sports
enthusiasts, and cultural explorers.
And the best
part? We already have everything we need. All that’s missing is a bold leap — a
shared commitment — and the vision to get us there. I'm here to lead that
charge.
This isn’t a
piecemeal approach. This is a call to action — for Vanderhoof, Prince George,
Quesnel, Williams Lake, 100 Mile House, our Indigenous communities, and every
hidden gem in between.
Together, we
will work to identify and create Mega Adventure Events — thrilling
experiences that pull people from around the world to our doorstep. These
events will put Cariboo–Prince George on the global adventure tourism map, with
potential for major sponsorships, broadcast coverage, and thousands
of participants and spectators.
Here are just a
few of the big ideas:
Imagine this: a
legendary race down the Fraser — from Prince George to Quesnel. Competitors
paddling across dramatic landscapes, through roaring waters and serene
stretches, cheered on by locals and visitors alike. It becomes the longest
canoe race in the world, an annual celebration of endurance, culture, and
nature.
A rotating
mega-marathon across our region:
Year 1: Vanderhoof to Prince George (99.5
km)
Year 2: Prince George to Quesnel (121 km)
Year 3:Quesnel to Williams Lake (118 km)
Year 4:Williams Lake to 100 Mile House
(92.3 km)
Each year, a new
leg. Each year, a new spotlight. These races will bring runners, sponsors, and
media from across the country — showcasing our towns and injecting millions
into our local economies.
A 1,000 km
trail skirting the outer edges of our riding, winding through forests,
crossing rivers, and weaving through our First Nations communities. In summer,
it’s an ATV/Mountain Bike odyssey. In winter, a snowmobile rally like no other.
Each night,
riders camp in different communities, hosted by local bands and municipalities
— experiencing Indigenous hospitality, food, and stories. This isn’t just sport
— it’s culture, it’s connection, and it’s commerce.
These
mega-events aren’t just for thrill seekers. They’re economic catalysts.
Every event brings:
- Tourism dollars
- New hotels and restaurants
- Retail opportunities
- Construction and infrastructure jobs
- Partnerships with national brands
and broadcasters
They give our
youth something to strive for. They shine a light on our artists, our chefs,
our makers, our cultures. They make the Cariboo–Prince George region a
household name across Canada — and beyond.
My Commitment to Build, Market, and Execute This will not be
a half-measure. I am committed to:
- Convening First Nations leaders,
municipalities, and tourism associations
- Identifying funding sources and
partnership opportunities
- Working with industry
stakeholders to support event infrastructure
- Marketing our region nationally and
internationally as Canada’s adventure capital
We will launch
community roundtables, regional planning teams, and tourism development groups
to hit the ground running.
Cariboo–Prince
George isn’t just a place to live — it’s a place to experience. Let’s
share that with the world. Let’s work with our First Nations partners, our
municipalities, our entrepreneurs, our artists, and our adventurers to build
something grand. Something bold. Something that can’t be ignored.
This is our
moment. Let’s leap.
Let’s make
Cariboo–Prince George the Adventure Gateway of the North.
Let’s shine.