LATEST NEWS

March 8, 2019 – Government is making the largest investment in connectivity in the province’s history, with $50 million to expand high-speed internet service for people living in approximately 200 rural and Indigenous communities. “High-speed internet provides the foundation for British Columbians to access online learning and telehealth care, conduct business and be alerted in an emergency,” said Jinny Sims, Minister of Citizens’ Services. “Connectivity helps small communities grow and prosper by creating jobs, attracting new residents and enabling more …

Upgraded web platform connects shoppers with independent, locally-owned businesses in Northern B.C. February 6, 2019 – Prince George, BC Northern Development has successfully launched a brand-new, mobile-friendly Love Northern BC website to better connect 1,600 businesses with customers. The original website was designed to be viewed on a desktop to support one community and 50 businesses. However, a 2017 site analysis revealed that nearly 50 per cent of web traffic came from mobile or tablet devices. The site is now …

State of the North 2018 reveals renewed strength in energy and gas sector, forestry facing challenges January 23, 2019 – For Immediate Release The second annual State of the North economic report has been released and offers insight into the current fiscal state of Northern B.C. and what is trending for the future. Highlights from the State of the North Report include: The unemployment rate in Northern B.C. has begun to trend lower, and increases in employment in the North Central, Cariboo-Chilcotin …

September 5, 2018 | FORT ST. JOHN BC Hydro has appointed Northern Development Initiative Trust as the financial administrator of its Peace Agricultural Compensation Fund. The $20-million fund, launched earlier this year, supports agricultural priorities, such as production and economic activity, in the Peace Region. The fund reflects BC Hydro’s recognition of the role agriculture plays in the Peace River region and the potential effects of the Site C project on agriculture. The Northern Development Initiative Trust was selected through a …

September 1, 2018  |  Additional grant funding is now available to help British Columbians living in rural, remote and Indigenous communities gain affordable access to high-speed internet. Local governments and First Nations have identified the high cost of infrastructure as one of the main barriers to expanding internet services in smaller communities around British Columbia. Improved internet service means more people can access high-quality education, good-paying jobs, business opportunities, health care and emergency services. As of Sept. 1, 2018, on …

August 27, 2018  |  The Smithers Regional Airport officially opened their new departure lounge, the most visible aspect of the Smithers Regional Airport Terminal Modernization Project. The new departure lounge seats 118 passengers allowing larger planes or multiple planes to utilize the airport facilities. There are new fully accessible washrooms in the departure lounge and, as part of the larger modernization project, in the terminal’s main lobby. Further improvements include upgrades to the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and fire suppression …