 Alexander Mackenzie Landing, District of Mackenzie Photo Mackenzie was incorporated in 1966 through provincial legislation as an "instant town". Its economy relies heavily on forestry and the majority of Mackenzie's labour force is employed in the manufacturing industry. Two of Mackenzie's sawmill complexes were idled in 2008, but they are expected to start up again once the markets recover. Highlighting this quiet community's forestry roots is the world's largest tree crusher, the Le Tourneau G175, which visitors can see near the entrance to the town on Highway 39. At 175 tons and 17 meters (56 feet) long, the machine was used to clear space when the town was being created. The First Nations and Alexander Mackenzie
The first inhabitants of the Mackenzie area prior to European settlement were the Tse'khene First Nations. Tsay Keh Dene, Kwadacha Nation, and McLeod Lake Indian Band have traditional territories in the area today. McLeod Lake is the closest aboriginal community 28km (17mi) west of Mackenzie, where a local museum, or trading post, can be visited on request. It is also the first and longest continuously occupied European settlement west of the Rockies. The town was named for famous Scottish explorer Alexander Mackenzie, who travelled through this area in 1793. Born in Scotland, Mackenzie became involved in the North American fur trade and focused his efforts on finding an overland route to the Pacific Ocean. In a courageous journey, he and nine others portaged difficult canyons along the Peace River from Hudson's Hope, making their way west to where the Finlay and Parsnip Rivers joined north of Mackenzie. Mackenzie Landing and Williston LakeIn 1993, to celebrate the 200th anniversary of this journey, BC Hydro and Mackenzie residents jointly dedicated Mackenzie Landing, which lies at the southern end of nearby Williston Lake, as a historic site. The Landing, which is located just 8km (5mi) from town features a monument dedicated to Alexander Mackenzie, interpretive signage, a campground, picnic area and boat launch. Williston Lake itself is also interesting from a historic perspective. In 1967, the building of the W.A.C. Bennett Dam flooded 166,000ha (410,000ac) to create the lake, which remains BC's largest man-made reservoir as well as a pretty spot for visitors to enjoy. Visit the MuseumThose interested in Mackenzie's history should visit the Mackenzie and District Museum, which offers paintings by local artist Marge McDougall and photos and exhibits from key moments in the town's timeline. The museum is located at 86 Centennial Drive in the Ernie Brodin Center. It is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday during the summer months.
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