March 2, 2022
PRINCE GEORGE, B.C. – Northern Development’s board of directors today announced the approval of over $2.3 million in grant funding for several beneficial projects across the region.
$300,000 was approved through the Economic Infrastructure program for the City of Prince Rupert to restore the former CN Rail Station and make it available for commercial opportunities. The project will rehabilitate the 7,200 square foot building and is intended for a waterfront restaurant/brewery with patio. The location will provide a steady stream of foot traffic due to its proximity to the ferry terminal and is easily accessed by those touring around the downtown area. In addition to the cosmetic enhancements, the building revitalization will include major structural, electrical and mechanical upgrades.
$300,000 was approved through the Cultural Infrastructure program for Gitxaala Enterprises Corporation to build a multifunctional centre designed in traditional longhouse style in the village of Lach Klan (Kitkatla). Complete with museum and performance venue, this facility will be the cultural hub of the community, facilitating programming and cultural practices, language and arts revitalization, economic development and tourism enterprises. The longhouse and associated facilities will support large community events, feasts, drum and dance group practices and performances, and will be available for event rentals.
$300,000 was approved through the Cultural Infrastructure program for the Peace River Regional District for the construction of a new, fully accessible 8,640 square foot library in Chetwynd. The library will be adjacent to the recreation centre complex and will house areas for use by children, tweens, teens, adults and seniors, as well as spaces for meetings, quiet activities, multipurpose activities, computer use and a small food service area. In addition to providing traditional library functions, services will be delivered to West Moberly and Saulteau First Nations.
$300,000 was approved through the Economic Infrastructure program for Ulkatcho Mercantile Ltd. (UML) on the Ulkatcho First Nation (UFN) for the construction of a new community store. UML is currently located in a portion of the band office with little room for expanded services. This project will see the construction of a new facility with fuel pumps, an electric vehicle charging station and a small convenience store on a remediated lot along the Highway 20 frontage road. This will allow UFN to provide status fuel and products to community members, while also providing a stop for tourist traffic between Bella Coola and Williams Lake.
$300,000 was approved through the Cultural Infrastructure program for the Bridge River Valley Community Association to rehabilitate and renovate the historic Bralorne Pioneer Mines office into the Bralorne Pioneer Museum. The project involves upgrades to existing electrical and mechanical systems along with stabilization of the roof and structure. It will also include accessibility improvements, restoration of floors, walls and windows and painting the building’s interior and exterior with historical colours. The facility will transition to a mixed-use building with public space for historical programs, as well as revenue generating opportunities through rental of affordable accommodations, office space, meeting space, commercial laundry and gallery space for local and guest artists and artisans.
$279,399 was approved through the Recreation Infrastructure program for the Williams Lake Cross Country Ski Club (WLCCSC) to construct a new visitor lodge at the Bull Mountain Ski Area north of Williams Lake. The project includes the construction of a 2,400 square foot lodge with timber frame accents. The upper floor of the lodge will have a gathering area with tables, kitchen and an accessible bathroom while the walk-out basement will offer a newly expanded ski rental facility. Additionally, the project will include the construction of an outdoor pavilion to provide a gathering space and shelter for visitors, as well as two new log post and beam outhouses. The visitor lodge will replace an aging Atco trailer to create a vibrant, sustainably built and inclusive community space.
$137,116 was approved through the Economic Infrastructure program for the Lakes District Airport Society (LDAS) to construct an automated aviation refueling station at the Lakes District Airport, also known as Baker Airport. Baker Airport’s current refueling station is over 30 years old and in need of replacement. This project includes installing a large shelter to house all three existing fuel tanks and upgrading the current refueling system (pumps and meters) to an automated system. This new refueling station eliminates the need for a key-lock system and invoices, and instead allows users to access and pay for fuel immediately.
$135,000 was approved through the Recreation Infrastructure program for the Bear Mountain Nordic Ski Association (BMNSA) to purchase a new snowcat groomer and attachments for use at the Bear Mountain ski trail network near Dawson Creek. The snowcat will be used to improve and expand the trails, develop new ski programs and provide adequate terrain for international events and tournaments.
$120,000 was approved through the Northern Housing Incentive program for the Village of Burns Lake to incentivize a multi-phased development in the community. The project entails the construction of three condominium style fourplexes located on 5th Avenue. Each of the 12, three-bedroom units will be approximately 1,680 square feet with two stories and an attached garage. The fourplexes will be developed and sold as strata units in three phases over three years. Construction of the first phase will begin in 2022.
$112,750 was approved through the Recreation Infrastructure program for the District of Taylor to replace the current ice plant at the Taylor Curling Club. Replacement of the ice plant consists of the removal of the old plant, construction of the new custom-built system, set up and connection to the existing pipes and electrical.
$87,440 was approved under the Main Street Revitalization Capital program for the Village of Telkwa to improve pedestrian accessibility and cycling infrastructure downtown/riverside. This project includes the installation of three, six-bicycle rack holders along the Riverside Trail, ten accessible picnic tables along the Riverside Trail and the paving of the Riverside Trail from Hope Avenue to the Dockrill Rink. Improving this transportation route and providing accessible picnic tables and bicycle racks will encourage the public as well as visitors to enjoy the amenities, vendors and parks in the downtown area.
Quotes:
Joel McKay, CEO, Northern Development Initiative Trust
“It’s great to see so many communities investing in projects that are key in retaining and attracting residents and visitors. Places such as museums, libraries, ski clubs and cultural centres are at the heart of every community and offer a sense of pride and belonging.”
Pat Dahle, President and Debbie DeMare, Vice-President Bridge River Valley Community Association
“The Bralorne Pioneer Mines Ltd. Office building is a prominent and valued heritage building in the community of Bralorne. It has been an ongoing priority for the community to re-establish the Bralorne Pioneer Museum collection in one permanent location and to provide a public space for cultural, heritage, and historical experiences. This project will contribute to the economic vibrancy of Bralorne and the Bridge River Valley for many years to come.”
Mayor Lee Brain, City of Prince Rupert
“The CN Station project is a key part of the Rupert 2030 vision and activating the waterfront, but it’s no small feat to fully revitalize a heritage asset. The grant funding provided by NDIT as well as our other funding partners is helping us to breathe life back into this important piece of Prince Rupert’s history, and we look forward to seeing the new tenants at Wheelhouse Brewing liven up the space.”
Robin Dawes, Chair, Williams Lake Cross Country Ski Club
“Building a stunning, inclusive gathering centre anchored on the lifelong sport of cross-country skiing will not only be a huge contributor to the social and physical health of our area, but it will also become a strong attractor to our community. We are so excited to finally be sharing this dream!”
