Despite a relatively bleak international economic outlook, and setbacks at home in industries such as mining and forestry, confidence in Williams Lake’s economic future appears to be growing well.
A new Winners store is opening in the Prosperity Ridge mall.
The Brick has expanded to a new location in Boitanio Mall.
Alexander Clothing, Jewellery and Gifts recently moved from First Avenue to a larger location on Second Avenue across from the post office.
Lake City Ford on Oliver Street is in the process of building for a move from Oliver Street to a larger and more visible location on Broadway North adjacent to Highway 97.
And in another part of the city a new eight-unit townhouse complex is currently under construction behind Cariboo Memorial Hospital on Gibbon Street.
Each of the units will have two bedrooms, says Mark Chipman, who is building the units with his wife Sandra.
Mark says Tim Lloyd Construction and crew is taking the lead on the project and he will employ all local tradespeople such as electricians and plumbers.
They are also endeavouring to purchase all of their materials locally, he adds.
“I have only had to go out of town for one item so far,” Mark says.
He says he is working on the project every day with the construction crew and expects to have the complex ready for rentals by Dec. 1.