Our Board is a diverse group of professionals from the area who provide the Geopark with it’s direction. We meet monthly at our Headquarters in the Visitor Centre and provide Geopark staff with the support to make the TRUGG an ever evolving part of Tumbler Ridge.
Scientific Advisors
Our Scientific advisors provide a broad perspective that is invaluable to our Geopark. We engage them for input on a range of issues within their academic fields and involve them in research opportunities within the Geopark.
Strategic Vision
Vision
A Geopark where you can celebrate and explore the stories of our people and place
Mission
Our mission is to honour the geological, cultural and environmental character of our Geopark, so to enhance well-being of our people through education, engagement and sustainable development.
Strategic Priorities
Science
We will engage in and utilize scientific research to advance the knowledge of the territory, ensuring engagement of the local and scientific community and leading to the celebration of the Geopark and its opportunities within the region.
Goals
- Drive science and research within the Geopark;
- Be stewards of geoheritage;
- Enable accesible science.
Engagement
We will engage with all relevant stakeholders to strengthen the community and citizens’ identification with their area, environment, heritage and the broader context in which they live.
Goals
- Continue local, regional, national and global engagement;
- Foster a reputable organization;
- Develop and implement an effective communication strategy.
Education
We will raise the awareness and knowledge of Geoparks and geoheritage and how that geoheritage has links to the other natural, cultural and intangible heritages within the region.
Goals
- Increased understanding of what a Geopark is;
- Increased uptake and further development of Educational resources for K-12 and post-secondary;
- Continued educational delivery to stakeholders and the general public.
Sustainability
We will create an organization capable of generating sustainable and real economic benefits and opportunities to the region.
Goals
- Strategically position the TRGGS to ensure the long-term stability of the organization;
- Practice and promote sustainable, ethical development of industry, tourism and recreation;
- Celebrate our natural assets through promotion and support of best practices.
Now a UNESCO site
We’re excited and honoured that as of November 17, 2015 UNESCO has made 120 Global Geoparks (including the TRGG) official UNESCO sites.
Geopark Designated
On September 23rd, 2014 the Tumbler Ridge Geopark became a Global Geopark, supported by UNESCO.
CBC Radio interview
Geopark funding announcement interview
Who we are
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Tumbler Ridge Global Geopark Society (TRGGS) is led by a Board of Directors, which evolved from a Steering Committee and Executive, once known as the Tumbler Ridge Aspiring Geopark Society. It is incorporated as a registered not-for-profit society in the province of British Columbia, with its own constitution and bylaws, with scientific advisors in geology, paleontology and archaeology.
Board of Directors:
President/Chair: Al Kangas
Vice President/Chair: Murray Smith
Secretary: Michael Preston
Treasurer: Hugh Kingwell
Director: Marsha Dufresne
Director: April Moi
Director: Joanne Kirby
Director: Ashley Pindera
Director: Kristen Holmlund
Philosophy
Tourism Goals
Increase the length of stay of existing visitors.
Increase the number of visitors focusing on those people who visit outside of the main events which are typically at capacity, such as the Geopark event Emperors’ Challenge and Grizfest.
Increase the number of higher-yield visitors.
Our Partners
Stakeholders:
- Stakeholders include, but are not limited to:
- Government of Canada, through our Member of Parliament, Bob Zimmer
- Government of British Columbia through our Member of the Legislative Assembly, Mike Bernier
- Peace River Regional District (regional), District of Tumbler Ridge (municipal)
- BC Parks
- Rec Sites and Trails BC Program (Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations)
- British Columbia Paleontological Alliance
- Community Futures Peace Liard
Industry representatives:
- Coal mines (Anglo American, HD Mining, Teck Corporation, Conuma Coal)
- Natural Gas (CNRL, Talisman, Spectra etc.)
- Wind Energy (Capital Power, etc.)
- Forestry (West Fraser, Canfor etc.)
Educational institutions:
- University of Northern British Columbia
- Tumbler Ridge Campus of the Northern Lights College
- School District #59: Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, Tumbler Ridge Elementary School
- Tumbler Ridge Chamber of Commerce
Important Partners of the Geopark include:
- Jet-boat operators, Guide-outfitters, Helicopter outfitters, Snow-show tours, First Nations tours.
- Hotels, B&Bs, Restaurants.
- Representatives from specialized interest groups: (Ice Climbing, Rock Climbing, Canoeing, Kayaking, Cross Country Skiing, Mountain Running, Emperor’s Challenge Mountain Marathon).
- Community Arts and Cultural Groups (Arts Council, Artists, Tumbler Ridge Public Library).
- Community Seniors’ Organizations.
- Local service organizations (Lions Club) and Local media (Tumbler Ridge Lines).
- Canadian National Committee for Geoparks
Direct Operators:
