March 3, 2023
Prince George, B.C.
Northern Development’s board of directors announced today that it has approved funding for four valuable projects in central and northern B.C.
$300,000 was approved for the construction of a community centre gymnasium for the Ashcroft Indian Band. The proposed 4,520 square foot zero-carbon facility is 100 per cent accessible and houses a basketball court, bleachers, fitness room, exercise equipment, changing area and washrooms. This gymnasium will allow the community to hold large social and sporting events and offer rental space for surrounding municipalities and Indigenous groups including the Nlaka’pamux Nation, Village of Ashcroft and Cache Creek. It will also provide suitable space for the community to gather for cultural and recreational reasons and provide a location for indoor youth sports and fitness programs. The centre is expected to be complete in the spring of 2024.
$250,300 was approved for a marina upgrade in the Village of Granisle. Constructed in the early 1990’s, the marina is owned and operated by the Village and is a key recreational amenity and economic asset for the community and region. The current composition of the docks consist of wooden floating pontoon floats whose life expectancy has expired. The natural wear-and-tear of water, wind and ice over the years has left replacement as the best solution. The marina is a key anchor attraction for visitors to the area and the most used recreational facility in the community during summer months. It is also one of only two freshwater marinas between Prince George and Prince Rupert.
$187,500 was approved for pool rehabilitation in the District of Hudson’s Hope. This project includes replacement of the pool liner, floor membrane, floor inlets and gutters to restore the outdoor pool to a watertight facility. The swimming pool was built in the early 2000’s and the pool liner is now over 19 years old. The life expectancy of many components of a pool is 15 years or less. These renovations to the facility will ensure its continued economic viability. Without these improvements, safety hazards as well as aesthetic deterioration will reduce future opportunities to host events and to maintain current programming. The local economy is largely dependent on a sustainable and growing population, for whom the municipality must maintain existing recreation infrastructure and services.
$147,360 was approved for the Hirsch Creek Golf and Winter Club (HCGWC) curling rink upgrades in the District of Kitimat. In December 2020, curling operations were suspended and that long closure of recreational curling affected the curling community and the overall operations of the HCGWC. This upgrade includes the replacement of the chiller, dehumidifier and lighting to improve overall curling and club operations for years to come. This project will allow the club to resume all curling activities and programming for youth, adults and seniors in the community.
Quotes:
Joel McKay, CEO, Northern Development Initiative Trust
“The Trust introduced the Recreation Infrastructure program in September of 2020 to allow local and Indigenous governments and not-for-profit organizations to construct new facilities or make improvements to existing ones. These four projects epitomize the intent of the program and create ideal community spaces for residents and visitors.”
Mayor Linda McGuire, Village of Granisle
“The Village of Granisle is extremely excited with the approved funding for our Granisle Marina upgrade. This facility is 30 years old and with these scheduled upgrades will enhance economic development opportunities for our community.”
Acting Mayor James Cryderman, District of Hudson’s Hope
“The Hudson’s Hope community is grateful to NDIT for the financial support towards its outdoor swimming pool. Without this financial support, it would not be possible to rehabilitate the swimming pool. This is the only outdoor swimming pool in the region which is an icon for our community.”
