August 16, 2024
PRINCE GEORGE, B.C. – In July, the Northern Development board of directors approved funding for the following projects:
$300,000 was approved for the South Peace Mile 0 Park Society through the Recreation Infrastructure program to build an inclusive all-wheels park. This park, to be located at the Mile 0 Park in Dawson Creek, will feature a beginner-friendly pump track, skills park and adult pump track. This facility will cater to users of all ages and abilities, including mountain bikes, BMX bikes, skateboards, scooters and adaptive equipment. The new amenity is expected to boost the paid usership of the RV park, generate donations to Walter Wright Pioneer Village and attract potential memberships for the All Wheels Park.
$283,147 was approved for the District of Mackenzie through the Recreation Infrastructure program to complete upgrades at the recreation centre in Mackenzie. The district plans to revitalize the swimming pool and front washrooms in the facility to create an attractive, safe and accessible environment, and to offer additional recreational activities. Upgrades include the addition of a water slide, installation of rubber surfacing on the pool deck and in the change rooms, and accessibility improvements in the main washroom.
$198,020 was approved for the Dawson Creek Golf and Country Club through the Recreation Infrastructure program to improve the club’s driving range. The project will provide the driving range with new posts and netting, which is designed for better storage and protection from the elements, and the addition of lighting to extend the range’s usability into the evening and beyond the regular season. Beyond functionality, the project aims to elevate community pride and bolster the economic vitality of Dawson Creek. These improvements will contribute to the recruitment and retention of professionals, making Dawson Creek a more vibrant and inclusive community.
$150,000 was approved for the District of Lillooet under the Cultural Infrastructure program for the rehabilitation of the Miyazaki Heritage House. Miyazaki Heritage House is a tourism attraction that provides educational and interpretive displays for residents and visitors. This project will see heritage rehabilitation and capital improvements to the house and grounds to ensure the structural integrity and architecture of the heritage building will remain for future years. The project will also assist in telling the story of Japanese Canadian history through the lens of Dr. Miyazaki’s life and service to Lillooet and the regional area.
$142,650 was approved for the Gitmaxmak’ay Nisga’a Prince Rupert/Port Edward Society through the Economic Infrastructure program to install a second hydroponic greenhouse. Currently, the society has one hydroponic unit on-site which was instrumental in helping members through the pandemic with weekly donations that were dispersed out to 1,500 members. With the opening of a fresh food cafe, the society has experienced a significant increase in demand for local greens. The goal of the project is to grow fresh local produce for retail and wholesale. Currently, the existing hydroponic unit is the only major volume source of locally grown produce in Prince Rupert.
$116,449 was approved for the Theatre NorthWest Society in Prince George through the Cultural Infrastructure program for lighting and sound upgrades. The project includes replacing stage lights with modern LEDs, updating the lighting console and installing a higher-quality sound system tailored for musicals. Wired backstage radios will be upgraded to wireless and obsolete wireless microphones will be replaced with modern versions that come in diverse skin tones. These upgrades will allow Theatre NorthWest to maintain an arts and culture hub in Northern B.C.
QUOTES:
Bryna Casey, Director, South Peace Mile 0 Park Society
“The South Peace Mile 0 Parks Society is thrilled to receive the Recreation Infrastructure grant for the all-wheels bike park project in Dawson Creek. This project is designed for users of all ages and for people on mountain bikes, BMX bikes, skateboards, scooters, and even specialized wheelchairs. Without the support from NDIT and other funders, this project would have never gotten off the ground. We will be so excited to welcome you to the newest South Peace recreation facility when construction is complete in October 2024.”
Joel McKay, CEO, Northern Development Initiative Trust
“These six projects truly reflect what many communities in Northern BC value such as food security, health and wellness, history and culture, and inclusivity. Northern Development is proud to be able to support projects that provide so many benefits to residents and visitors.”
