LATEST NEWS

After a distinguished career of service, Janine North, Chief Executive Officer, Northern Development Initiative Trust, has indicated her desire to retire in the fall of 2016. The Trust’s Board of Directors supports her decision, and will determine the process and timeline for selecting and hiring a new CEO at its next meeting in April. Ms. North will remain CEO until her replacement has been selected and hired, and will work with her successor to ensure a smooth leadership transition. “Janine’s …

Up to $1 million two-year fund will provide $50,000 grants to support research and development, new technologies and techniques Forest sector research and development is getting a boost with the help of Northern Development Initiative Trust’s new Forest Innovation Fund. The fund will provide up to $1 million in grants over a two-year period for small and medium-sized companies and community forests engaged in resource extraction, resource processing and supply chain activities related to the forest sector. The Forest Innovation …

LILLOOET – Funds approved through Northern Development’s Economic Diversification Infrastructure program will transform the Lillooet Municipal Airport into a long-term asset that will generate benefits for the local economy. The Trust’s Board of directors approved $122,786 in funding for the airport, which will be used for repairs, a revamping of the fueling system and an updated pilot lounge. The upgrades mean Lillooet can promote the airport to a wider range of users, contributing to increased air traffic in the area …

TUMBLER RIDGE – Tumbler Ridge’s efforts to build a robust tourism sector were given another boost this week thanks to Northern Development. The Trust’s board of directors has approved a $250,000 grant for the Tumbler Ridge Museum Foundation to support renovations at the Peace Region Palaeontology Research Centre that also includes the public interpretive exhibits, which showcases British Columbia’s rich collection of dinosaur bones, tracks and other fossils. $250,000 grant approval for museum will help cement Tumbler Ridge’s reputation as …

PRINCE GEORGE – The “shop local” movement continues to gain momentum in Northern B.C. with the launch of two online platforms that promote the region’s independent, locally-owned businesses: LoveChetwynd.com and LoveMackenzie.com. The launch of the new sites, financially supported by Northern Development Initiative Trust, coincides with community events showcasing a host of unique, local businesses and entrepreneurs who will be available to the public to talk about the stories behind their homegrown businesses and the products they sell. LoveChetwynd.com and LoveMackenzie.com are …

QUESNEL – More students in B.C.’s north will connect with the skills and experience they need for the jobs of the future through an expanded $4.9 million Shoulder Tappers program announced today by the B.C. Government and the Northern Development Initiative Trust. Minister Mike Bernier and Northern Development board chair Evan Saugstad made the announcement while touring Quesnel’s Correlieu Secondary School with officials from the Quesnel School District and community leaders. Photo credit: Paul Alberts Shoulder Tappers are career coordinators …