Prince George, BC – Today, the Honourable Jay Hill, Member of Parliament for Prince George – Peace River and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, along with Bruce Sutherland, Chair of Northern Development Initiative Trust, announced funding for communities across central and northern British Columbia through the Community Adjustment Fund.
“There was a huge demand for the Community Adjustment Fund from central and northern BC. I am thrilled that our staff and Board were able to make decisions quickly and confirm funding contracts so that many people are now working and completing projects that are long term investments in the diversification of our economy,” said Bruce Sutherland, Chair of Northern Development Initiative Trust. “This government has been innovative and responsive in partnering with Northern Development to make regional decisions with local due diligence. It has been a great partnership opportunity, with immediate results for central and northern BC communities.”
The Government of Canada, through the Community Adjustment Fund program, provided $10 million to the Northern Development Initiative Trust to support the most affected communities in central and northern BC, helping to reduce the short-term impacts of the economic downturn.
With this $10 million investment, Northern Development has supported 23 projects across 25 communities located throughout central and northern British Columbia. Ranging from tourism infrastructure improvements to affordable seniors housing, the approved projects will create 295 jobs over the next 19 months, ensuring that British Columbians are able to return to work and provide economic stability to their community and families.
Minister Jay Hill and Northern Development Chair Bruce Sutherland
announce $498,018 for the Nazko First Nation for their Youth Forestry Training Program.
(pictured front left – right: Christie Vanderburgh, Brenda Gardiner, Dylan Alec, Samantha Alec,
Miranda Laurent, Minister Jay Hill, Northern Development Chair Bruce Sutherland
(pictured back left – right: Mark Courtney, Shane Boyd, Luke Bergerman, Councillor Jerry Laurent)
Following the announcement of the 23 community and non-profit grants funded under the initial $10 million investment, Minister Hill had more good news for the region.
“It’s with great pleasure that I am here again today, to announce an additional $20 million contribution to Northern Development Initiative Trust,” said Minister Hill. “Our Government understands that central and northern BC businesses and organizations have been hit hard by the current global recession.”
It is anticipated that these repayable funds will be allocated and disbursed quickly in a targeted manner to ensure businesses and for-profit organizations across the North are better resourced in these challenging economic times.
The following is a list of the 23 community and non-profit grants funded under the initial $10 million Community Adjustment Fund investment.
- $1,027,027 for the University of Northern British Columbia, to provide regional First Nations, youth, low income and unemployed people with employment skills, resources & practical business experience
- $757,250 for the Quesnel Downtown Association, to create up to 34 jobs over the next two years through beautification and improvement of the downtown core
- $724,865 for the Cariboo Central Interior Poultry Producers Association, to develop Phase Two of its mobile poultry processor unit project, and to purchase a wood chipping unit to service producers and farmers in the region who lack vital poultry bedding material
- $517,645 for the Nechako View Senior Citizens Home Society, to create immediate employment constructing much needed seniors housing in Vanderhoof
- $498,018 for the Nazko First Nation, to implement the First Nations Youth Forestry Training Program, developed with input and support from both industry and the local community
- $178,000 for the Soda Creek First Nations (Xats’ull), to create new seasonal jobs and enhance the cultural tourism experience at the Xats’ull Heritage Village
- $86,041 for Community Futures of North Cariboo, to create and implement the Northern Rural and Remote Communities Green Heat Initiative, which seeks to expand the number of pellet heating systems in communities and institutions across the north
- $47,000 for the Punchaw Cattlemens Association, to construct a 10 kilometre fence and install two cattle guards on Pelican Lake Forest Road, preventing traffic accidents
- $197,725 for the Bridge River Indian Band, to double employment by expanding their existing cultural tourism products, including X’Wisten Experiences cultural tourism
- $1,074,430 for the Mount Timothy Ski Society, to continue the development of the Mt. Timothy Ski Area near Lac La Hache. Slope, run and lift upgrades, improved washroom facilities and the establishment of a first aid station will generate up to 15 jobs
- $15,000 for Valemount Area Recreation Development, to expand its Valemount Mountain Host Program by 100%
- $444,000 for the City of Prince George, to expand the UNBC Connector Trail System, creating up to 18 jobs
- $347,500 for the Village of McBride, to develop tourism infrastructure, including an info kiosk and washroom facilities
- $144,400 for the Northern Environmental Action Team, to renew and expand its waste reduction program in the Peace River Regional District and Fort Nelson
- $1,007,075 for the Gitxsan Treaty Society, to employ 14 people to inventory and plan sustainable development of the Suskwa watershed
- $680,000 for the Lakes Economic Development Association, to create a trail system on the south side of Burns Lake, fostering tourism, recreation and healthy lifestyles
- $600,000 for the City of Terrace, to revitalize the George Little Park in downtown Terrace with children’s play area, farmer’s market, senior’s fitness park and Spirit Square
- $520,000 for the District of Stewart, to hire 12 new employees over the next 18 months to undertake a variety of trail and campsite improvement activities
- $405,000 for the Cheslatta Carrier Nation, to complete wildfire threat reduction work on the site perimeter of Cheslatta Forest Products with a 10 man silviculture crew
- $324,454 for the Smithers Community Services Association, to create 50-75 jobs by expanding non-profit manufacturing operations and job skills training opportunities at the Moricetown Supported Work and Manufacturing Centre
- $196,695 for the Smithers Mountain Bike Association, to develop Hudson Bay Mountain with a range of mountain biking trails
- $127,875 for Metlakatla Development Corporation, to initiate a Canoe Quest Tourism Excursion Program in Prince Rupert, catering to cruise ship, fly-in and driving tourists
- $80,000 for the Skeena Supported Employment Society, to hire people with mental, developmental and physical disabilities in New Hazelton, training and apprenticing them to bake craft style and daily breads, plus other treats
Media Contact:
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 is an independent regional economic development corporation focused on stimulating economic growth and job creation in central and northern British Columbia. Over $60.2 million in funding has been committed to 414 projects with a total project value of over $351.3 million.
For information on Northern Development’s economic development programs and initiatives, visit:
