Barkerville and Wells Invest In Local Fuel Station To Support Tourism And Sustain The Community

In 2008, Barkerville Heritage Trust received a $30,000 grant from Northern Development through the Economic Diversification Infrastructure program towards this $105,110 project. This has been a funding partnership of Barkerville Heritage Trust, Northern Development, District of Wells, and Wells Service Station

2012- Motorists travelling down Highway 26 won’t be nervously watching their fuel gauge now that there is a new fuel station operating in the District of Wells to service local residents and tourists travelling to Historic Barkerville. When the fuel station wasn’t operating, the nearest place for tourists to fuel up was 80km away in Quesnel, meaning a 160km round trip without the ability to purchase fuel.

Given the economic importance of an operating gas station to both Wells, Barkerville, and Bowron Lakes Provincial Park, the Barkerville Heritage Trust has chosen to operate the new fuel station, which is a mutually beneficial partnership for all the communities.

"Having both gas and diesel fuel available in Wells is absolutely essential to Barkerville's survival and Barkerville is a key player in the regional economy providing an annual economic impact of 119 full-time equivalent employment positions and a total of $16.9M in economic activity. The impact of Northern Development's investment is being felt not only locally and regionally but across the province, as visitors to Barkerville travel along highways 97 and 16."

Judy Campbell, Chief Executive Officer, Barkerville Heritage Trust

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