April 2025 - Newsletter

On the shores of Stuart Lake, the District of Fort St. James received a $58,628 grant to install electrical service to all 10 campsites in Cottonwood Municipal Campground. Completed within one year, the project resulted in sites receiving 50- or 30-amp power hook ups. These upgrades will encourage campers to extend their stays in the community, contributing to the local economy and through visitor spending and supporting the four employment positions connected to the campground. 

Cottonwood Municipal Campground is located just 650-metres away from the municipal marina and is the ideal staging area for those looking to explore the area by boat. For those travelling without watercraft, or who are looking for something different, the marina rents stand-up paddleboards. The convenience of unique amenities located within easy walking distance, plus new electrical hookups, combined with rich local history and friendly residents, makes Fort St. James a rejuvenating destination for campers. 

The District of Fort St. James was forward-thinking while conducting the work for the electrical upgrade project. The trenches that were created to install electrical wiring also contain piping to support future water services to each of the 10 campsites. Increased services to the sites also provided an avenue for a moderate increase in pad rentals, resulting in additional revenue for the District and reduced reliance on gas-powered generators by campers. 

Funding for this project was through Northern Development’s Recreation Infrastructure program. The District of Fort St. James exclusively contracted small business owners in the community to work on the project, including locally sourced and milled timber. By using local businesses, the economic impacts of this project were felt immediately since the beginning of the project and continue to carry on as campers continue to utilize the electrical services throughout the campground and spend time in the community.

In Spring 2021, the Bulkley Valley Cross Country Ski Club was approved for $68,000 to construct a new, heated garage for their tracksetter and groomer, a significant upgrade from the previous leaky, unheated machine shed that was built on railway ties. Building a new, spacious storage facility for the Club’s most valuable piece of equipment was identified as a goal in the Club’s 2020-2022 management plan as a method to sustain its operations and assets. 

The 32-by-40-foot heated garage will better protect the Pison Bully Edge Snowcat from the elements throughout the entire year. Additionally, the spacious shop will facilitate easier maintenance and repairs on the equipment by volunteers and paid mechanics. Ensuring their main piece of equipment is in top-shape during the winter months allows for better trail maintenance – resulting in a better ski experience for all on the trails and strengthening the Club’s reputation as a non-profit that significantly contributes to winter recreation options in the Smithers area.

Boasting 52 kilometres of groomed trails, including 11 kilometres of dog-friendly options and five kilometres of lit paths, the Bulkley Valley Cross Country Ski Club is a popular destination for the Nordic skiing community during all hours of the day. With an active and talented membership, some of the work to build the new garage was completed by volunteers, with skilled contractors completing trade-specific work. The entire project was completed in June 2022, allowing for the Piston Bully to be kept in a heated garage for the first time in Winter 2022/3.

In 2024, the Fabulous Festivals and Events (FFE) funding program was once again completely subscribed, with event organizers throughout the Trust’s region accessing grant funding to help deliver fantastic gatherings for residents and visitors throughout the year. Festivals and events are the cornerstone of many community calendars throughout Northern B.C., and the Trust is pleased to support the dedication of volunteers and staff in delivering top-notch, unique, community-minded experiences.

In the northwest, the Lakes District Fall Fair and Music Festival was a weekend filled with showcasing the area’s rich agriculture, products, and people’s talents in equestrian events and music. The three-day event welcomes people of all ages through its gates and to its stage, including The Kerplunks, Indigenous performers and artists, a dog show, and much more.

Further to the west, the Kispiox Valley Music Festival returned for its thirtieth year. The festival showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Kispiox Valley and the broader Hazelton area, including the traditions of the Gitxsan people. At its core, the festival is dedicated to celebrating a wide range of musical talents across various genres. Organizers thoughtfully select performers to include underrepresented and equity-deserving groups, ensuring a diverse and inclusive atmosphere. Supplementary activities and services during the festival include an artisan market and an assortment of food vendors.

Throughout Northern B.C., signature festivals and events attract visitors from outside the host community, contributing to the local economy by bringing new patrons to shops, on-site vendors, accommodators, restaurants, service providers, and the like. Additionally, signature events are anticipated by locals throughout the year, providing opportunities for community-building, enjoyment, and volunteerism.

The FFE program was once again offered by the Trust to non-profit organizations for 2025 events. The funding has been completely allocated for the year, and the application process for 2026 festivals and events will reopen in January 2026.

The Back Country Horsemen of B.C.’s Northwest Chapter (BCHBC NWC) was approved for $30,209 through the Trust’s Recreation Infrastructure funding program to build on the success of their main activation site known as Coalmine Camp. The grant was used to support two major upgrade components: site upgrades and backcountry trail development.

The expansion of back country trails resulted in 6.2 kilometres of new trail being added to the trail network. The investment into trails strongly aligns with their mission to provide trail riding and skill development for equestrians in the back country with a social and safe learning atmosphere. To complement the expanded trail network, BCHBC NWC also expanded the gathering site at Coalmine Camp. As a result, six new campsites, six new horse shelters and a new shower were constructed. Existing facilities, including a cabin, tool shed, and access points, received upgrades.

BCHBC NWC is a well-established non-profit that has operated for more than two decades near Telkwa. In 2020, the club received the Outstanding Project of the Year award from the Back Country Horsemen of B.C for the development of Coalmine Camp. The recognition is well deserved, with volunteers dedicating upwards of 500 hours annually towards the maintenance of the trails and facility. Recreationalists of varied types, including hikers, mountain bikers, Nordic skiers, and snowshoers all enjoy visiting the well-maintained trails in every season.

The benefits of well-maintained outdoor recreation venues extend to all those who spend time in the Bulkley Valley, regardless of age, race, or gender. Having a reliable destination for outdoor activity throughout the year contributes to resident satisfaction and creates opportunity for community-building by meeting new people through sport, volunteerism, or events.
The Recreation Infrastructure funding program provides grants to non-profits, local governments, and Indigenous governments to a maximum of $300,000. Projects may encourage resident attraction and retention while also increasing opportunities for sport tourism.