‘Painted out’: Lack of critical infrastructure and political say a concern for Fort Nelson residents

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Residents of Fort Nelson are concerned about being “painted out” of the picture and left in need of critical infrastructure heading into the 2025 Canadian federal election. 

Enabled by a grant from the Public Policy Forum, the Rideau Hall Foundation and the Michener Awards Foundation, Energeticcity.ca travelled to Fort Nelson as a part of our expanded election coverage to speak with residents about their priorities ahead of final voting day. 

Mike Gilbert, treasurer of the Fort Nelson Community Literacy Society board of directors and a retired regional economic development officer with the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality (NRRM), told Energeticcity.ca he is concerned about the community’s future economic development and employment prospects. 

“I think that forestry is a major issue; we’ve got some of the best forest resources in the province that if responsibly managed could really be an engine for the region and contribute significantly to federal and provincial revenues,” Gilbert said. 

“There’s the potential for this region to be really quite prosperous, but I think an overriding concern is people are really quite tired of being painted out of the discussion.” 

Gilbert explained he and many residents he has spoken to in his line of work felt because of the political leaning of the region, many feel “taken advantage of” regardless of how they vote. 

“[The] government tends to see us in this part of the world as a giant ATM machine,” Gilbert claimed. 

“They come to us when they want revenue, they come to us when there are opportunities to be exploited, and they pay attention to us not at all once they’ve got what they want out of the region.” 

Gilbert stated he sees a critical need for infrastructure to help support industry in Fort Nelson, including improved rail access for transporting resources to markets south of the community. 

He explained the community suffers from an “out of sight, out of mind” view from provincial and federal governments. 

“If you’re not at the table, then you’re probably on the menu and I think that’s where we find ourselves in our particular part of the world. 

“The decision-makers very seldom understand the context that those decisions will play out in for us.

“We’d very much like to be a part of the conversation, but very seldom are we.”

Kristi Leer, a disability advocate from Fort Nelson, also spoke with Energeticcity.ca to share her opinions on Fort Nelson and the election. 

“Our region is a big voice when it is allowed to be, but it’s also like a pilot project for things to come,” Leer said. 

Leer broke her neck in 2017, leaving her paralyzed and forced to leave the community to receive proper care for her recovery. She expressed frustration at the lack of resources for residents in Fort Nelson. 

“There was nothing [in Fort Nelson] for me, I’ve left my family, my kids don’t understand what happened…I’ve spent seven years trying to get my health under control to go back to my region and undo seven years of brokenness,” Leer said. 

Leer described how business owners and residents are left with no alternative other than to leave the region to find resources, such as training, supplies and services. 

“[The government] will move us for medical attention, if you break your leg or something they will get right in there,” Leer said. 

“But if you just need some support for your life, they can’t reach you… and it’s been that way my whole life.

“When we’re thriving we don’t mind it as much…but we haven’t been thriving for eight years, and nobody has done a thing for us.” 

To register to vote, prospective voters will need to provide information on their driver’s licence, be a resident of Canada and confirm they will be 18 years of age or older by April 28th. The deadline to register to vote by mail was April 22nd.

On voting day, all voters must identify themselves in one of a variety of ways at the polls.

They can present one piece of government-issued identification with a photograph, name and current address, such as a driver’s licence issued by any Canadian government – be it a provincial, federal or territory government.

If you do not have photo identification, voters can declare their identity and address in writing, and have someone who knows them or who is assigned to their polling station vouch for them.

Check out Energeticcity.ca’s new digital Election Guide, which includes everything voters need to know to make an informed choice on voting day, April 28th.