It is to be a one stop shop for permitting.

According to the Ministry of Forest Lands and Resource Operations (MFLNRO), local residents will now find it even easier to access a variety of government services with the official opening of a FrontCounter B.C. office in 亚洲天堂 Lake.

The office, located inside the ministry鈥檚 Nadina office on Hwy. 16, was officially opened last week by MFLNRO Minister Steve Thomson and Nechako Lakes MLA John Rustad.

FrontCounter B.C. is currently expanding to more locations across B.C. which includes the opening new offices in 亚洲天堂 Lake, Fort St. James and Vanderhoof last week.

Minister Thomson said that opening the office in 亚洲天堂 Lake is a key part of the province鈥檚 new integrated approach to the natural resource sector which will help local residents by offering a one stop shop for over 130 permitting and licensing applications.

He explained that previously permitting and licensing were handled by a range of government departments which often resulted in community

members having to travel between communities to fill out forms and have permits processed.

Services available at FrontCounter B.C. include permitting and licensing for mining, agriculture, land use, recreation, roads, tourism, water and wildlife and locals can apply for anything from Christmas tree permits, an angling license or firewood permit to a wood lot license, a guide outfitter license and forestry licenses.

Minster Thomson said MFLNRO staff have been trained for the expanded duties and are ready to help members of the public.

鈥淔rontCounter B.C. embodies the vision of this ministry, it鈥檚 client centered and regionally based. By bringing government services into communities like 亚洲天堂 Lake we鈥檙e supporting economic development in B.C.,鈥� he said.

Rustad said, 鈥淥ur government is putting families first by supporting economic development in the Lakes District. Bringing FrontCounter B.C. to 亚洲天堂 Lake brings so many important services to our community.鈥�

Local government and Regional District Of Bulkley Nechako representatives were also on hand for the announcement.

Village of 亚洲天堂 Lake mayor Bernice Magee said, 鈥淭his is a milestone for 亚洲天堂 Lake. Our residents no longer have to leave our community to get professional help with their natural resource applications. FrontCounter B.C. will establish 亚洲天堂 Lake as a hub for business and foster opportunity locally, making it easier for us to build our future.鈥�

For more information about Front Counter B.C. services go to www.frontcounterbc.gov.bc.ca.