Fort St. John BC – Northern Development Initiative Trust Chair Evan Saugstad and members of the Northeast Regional Advisory Committee met today and are pleased to announce funding for two projects in northeast BC.
“The communities of northeast British Columbia continue to diversify and develop their economies,” stated Northern Development Chair Evan Saugstad. “These projects create employment and enhance the experiences of both residents and visitors to our region.”
The Dawson Creek Golf and Country Club has been approved for a $30,000 grant toward the Clubhouse Renovation project through Northern Development’s Community Halls and Recreation Facilities program. The funding contribution will assist the not-for-profit facility with a complete renovation of the kitchen, deck, banquet room and washrooms.
“We are very grateful for the financial support from Northern Development,” stated Paul De Costa, Chair, Dawson Creek Golf and Country Club Clubhouse Committee. “This project will allow us to attract new membership and to expand operations year round for events such as wedding receptions and corporate functions.”
In addition to the increased capacity, four new jobs will be created at the Golf Club. Several short term construction jobs will be created and a new catering function that will serve the local area is also planned. The project is expected to be completed at the end of April 2010.
The Peace Region Paleontology Research Centre Expansion project in Tumbler Ridge has been approved for funding through Northern Development’s Economic Diversification Infrastructure program. The project includes the expansion and relocation of the Palaeontology Research Centre and Dinosaur Discovery Gallery by renovating a vacant elementary school building. Northern Development has approved grant funding of $39,000 toward the $140,000 project.
Four new seasonal positions and several temporary construction jobs will result from the project. Northern Development funding was partnered with contributions from the North and South Peace Economic Development Commissions as well as the District of Tumbler Ridge.
Renovation work will involve the removal of interior classroom walls to create spaces for collections, preparation, fabrication and display/interpretation, and upgrade work will be done to the electrical, plumbing, and security. The project also includes the development of the central display for the Dinosaur Discovery Gallery.
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“The funding we received from Northern Development was an important piece in moving this project forward,” said Curator of Palaeontology Rich McCrae. “In addition to all of the structural improvements, there will also be a major upgrade and augmentation of computer 3D digitization capabilities which have research, collections and public display applications.” The project is scheduled for completion and to be open to the public by May 2010.
Media Contacts:
Janine North
Chief Executive Officer
Northern Development Initiative Trust
Telephone: 250.561.2525
Email: info@northerndevelopment.bc.ca
About Northern Development Initiative Trust
Northern Development Initiative Trust is an independent regional economic development corporation focused on stimulating economic growth and job creation in central and northern British Columbia. Over $85.8 million in funding has been committed to 471 projects with a total project value of over $842 million.
For more information about Northern Development Initiative Trust, please visit www.northerndevelopment.bc.ca
