The diversity of the Prince Rupert area economy should buffer it from major repercussions resulting from reductions in the allowable annual cut. At any rate, the base case predicts maintaining the current allowable annual cut for 60 years, so there are no expected short-term effects.
Protection of the commercial fishery and expansion of the manufacturing sector (e.g. value-added processing of timber supply area timber) will further protect the North Coast communities if there is a reduction in the allowable annual cut. Additional opportunities are expected to be created through the new Forest Renewal Program. The challenge for these communities is to develop economic strategies to take advantage of local opportunities.
