Economic Development
The Ashcroft Travel Centre, opened in September 2015, is the most ambitious project ever undertaken by the Ashcroft Indian Band.
Built at cost of $4 million, it has twelve Esso fuel pumps under a huge canopy, plus a commercial card lock service and parking for trucks, semi-trailers, and large RVs. It has an On-the-Run Convenience store, a gift shop with local and quality First Nations arts and crafts, plus an attached Tim Hortons with a drive-thru and indoor seating for 15.
Located at the corner of Cornwall Road and the Trans-Canada Highway, about 10 minutes southwest of Cache Creek, it’s made its mark as a destination stop for truckers and travelers.
The Travel Centre has created jobs for the Ashcroft Band and for people from nearby communities. Its operations make a significant contribution to the local economy and the Band is pleased to take its place as an economic leader in the region. At peak times the development employs between 35 and 40 people.
“Congratulations to Chief Blain and the Ashcroft Indian Band for a job well done with the Ashcroft Travel Centre. This exciting development was made possible through a partnership between the Band and Imperial Oil, with funding from a mineral tax sharing agreement with the Province.”
John Rustad, BC Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation, 2015
The spectacular desert scenery, handy location and the Travel Centre services make an attractive location for visiting film crews that bring significant amounts of money into the region. A string of movies, TV series and commercials have had a consistent presence on the Ashcroft reserve for 15 years with Band members often hiring on as extra help.
Band members are frequently tapped as short-term hires for security duties, on-site extras and general assistance for film crews.
