Re-build in Fort McMurray could mean opportunities for contractors in BC

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VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – People in Fort McMurray are still taking stock of the damage after that devastating wildfire destroyed huge swaths of the Alberta city. But as thoughts turn to re-building, it could eventually equate to some good news for at least one industry here in BC.

“It’s quite devastating for the area and the people there,” says Philip Hochstein, president of the Independent Contractors and Business Association of BC.

“But what it does show is that the insurance industry will pump in a lot of money into the local economy that needs that kind of boost at this particular time. And contractors in the north of British Columbia — who aren’t as busy as they are down here — will be able to take advantage of that.”

He adds there isn’t much in the way of red tape, either.

“Workers can cross boundaries using their own certificates now — that’s not an issue. Some BC companies may have to take out business licenses in Alberta or Fort McMurray, but those are not hard to get. So, I don’t think there’s going to be any problem with mobility of contractors or workers.”

That mobility should pick up once the insurance money starts flowing.

“I think so. There will certainly be a lot more insurance money pumped into that local economy. The house-building industry in Alberta certainly could use that help and I do think it will spill over into British Columbia because the people up in the north of British Columbia are not as busy as they are down on the coast so there’s an opportunity for them to go look for work there,” says Hochstein.

But he cautions things won’t be re-built overnight, no matter how many people head to the city to help with construction.

“Everybody is going to want their service and their house re-built right away. And you just can’t meet that demand at the same time. So, there will be some timing issues when it comes to actually re-building everybody’s house. But the industry both in BC and in Alberta will respond to make sure their clients are properly serviced as best they can.”

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