Growth was slow until the 1950's when many people arrived from the prairies and Europe to work in the sawmills. The 1960's and 70's were years of remarkable growth associated with modernization of the sawmill industry and construction of three pulp mills. By 1997, the population was over 75,000.
The City's economy is based on the forest industry with fourteen sawmills, two single pulp mills and a twinned pulp mill, one of the largest in the world. Wood products manufacturing, a refinery, a brewery, chemical plants and diesel locomotive repair shops contribute to the industrial base.
The City's role as a regional centre is highlighted by a large, modern library and hospital, a regional college, the main campus of the University of Northern British Columbia, two museums, an art gallery, amateur theatre groups and a symphony orchestra.
More information on the Fraser-Fort George Regional District is available on their website: http://www.rdffg.bc.ca
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