February 2025 - Newsletter

BC Biocarbon, a leader in sustainable carbon solutions, has made significant strides in advancing bio-based alternatives to fossil fuels. In 2018, the McBride based company successfully scaled up its operations with the support of a $50,000 rebate from Northern Development’s Northern Industries Innovation Fund (NIIF) program. This funding enabled BC Biocarbon to transition from a small pilot plant to a facility 10 times larger, allowing the production of large-scale trial samples ranging from 100 to 1,000 tonnes. These samples provided critical process and product data necessary for commercial engineering and industrial adoption.

Building on this success, BC Biocarbon recently secured $2.5 million in funding from Natural Resources Canada to advance an innovative process that converts municipal waste into biocoal for the cement industry. This breakthrough has the potential to transform waste management while providing a sustainable energy source for one of the world’s most carbon-intensive industries.

When used to replace fossil fuels in cement production, biocoal is considered carbon neutral, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The adoption of biocoal in the cement industry represents a major step toward meeting Canada’s climate targets and fostering a greener industrial sector.

This development is particularly important for Northern British Columbia, where BC Biocarbon’s operations contribute to economic growth and job creation. By leveraging local resources and talent, the company is helping to establish the region as a hub for sustainable industrial innovation. The investment in BC Biocarbon not only supports environmental goals but also strengthens the local economy by creating new opportunities in the renewable energy sector.

“Northern Development is proud to have supported BC Biocarbon’s initial scale-up through our Northern Industries Innovation Fund,” said Ben Campbell, CFO/interim CEO, Northern Development Initiative Trust. “Their success exemplifies how targeted investments can drive innovation, create economic opportunities, and position Northern B.C. as a leader in sustainable industrial development.”

With continued research and commercialization efforts, BC Biocarbon is poised to lead the way in sustainable energy solutions. The company’s advancements highlight the potential of bio-based technologies to drive economic and environmental progress, reinforcing Canada’s commitment to a cleaner and more sustainable future.

The Prince George Conservatory of Music (PGCM) has undergone significant renovations thanks in part to a $51,364 Economic Infrastructure grant from Northern Development. These upgrades will enhance the music school’s functionality, improve the learning environment, and ensure long-term sustainability.

With the growing demand for music instruction, PGCM has faced a shortage of teaching space. To address this, the renovations include the addition of a third studio, expanding capacity for music lessons and allowing the conservatory to accommodate more students. Soundproofing measures have been implemented between studios and in the adjacent daycare area to create an optimal learning environment free from distractions. This improvement enables multiple lessons to run simultaneously without interference, benefiting both students and instructors.

Another key aspect of the renovation is the enhancement of administrative efficiency. Previously, the administrative area was located in an open waiting room, creating a disruptive work environment for staff. The project introduces a designated office space within the waiting area for the administrator and artistic director, improving productivity, communication, and privacy. Additional storage will also be incorporated to optimize organization and workflow.

Facility upgrades contribute to the school’s professional image and long-term viability. Carpeting has been replaced, and fresh paint applied to revitalize the space, ensuring a welcoming and inspiring atmosphere for students, staff, and visitors. Additionally, sustainability improvements have been made by adding insulation and focused heating.

“We are so grateful to NDIT for their generous support in making significant renovations to our space a reality,” said Shoshanna Godber, Artistic Director. “The addition of a new teaching studio, enhanced soundproofing between studios, and noise reduction between the Conservatory and the daycare sharing the building has made for a teaching and learning environment that is much more enjoyable and conducive to focus.”

With these enhancements, the Prince George Conservatory of Music is poised to continue its mission of providing high-quality music education in a more efficient, welcoming, and environmentally conscious setting.

Dawson Creek, B.C., is enhancing its historic and cultural hub with the Lighting of City Signs project, thanks to a $65,891 Main Street Revitalization Capital grant from Northern Development. This initiative is set to transform the N.A.R. Park, home to the city’s most iconic landmarks, into an even more vibrant and welcoming space for residents and visitors alike.

The N.A.R. Park, located at Mile 0 of the Alaska Highway, is a cultural and historical treasure in the heart of Dawson Creek. The park features the refurbished railway station—now a museum and tourist centre—as well as a clock tower, statues, a railway car, and the art gallery housed in a renovated grain elevator. Recognized as a central gathering point, the park is the city’s largest tourist attraction and a venue for festivals, markets, and community events.

The project focuses on installing solar lighting along the pathways in front of the museum and illuminating key monuments, including the Alaska Highway sign, the surveyor statue, and the memorial monument. These enhancements aim to draw attention to the cultural and historical significance of these landmarks while improving nighttime visibility and safety in the park.

City Council views the project as an opportunity to preserve and respect the meanings behind these monuments while creating a safer, more inviting space for evening activities.

“These monuments tell the story of Dawson Creek and its pivotal role in the history of the Alaska Highway,” said Dawson Creek Mayor Darcy Dober. “By lighting them, we’re ensuring they receive the recognition they deserve while enhancing the park’s appeal and accessibility for everyone.”

In addition to increasing safety along the pathways, the new lighting will beautify the park and create ambiance for evening events. Whether for festivals, casual strolls, or the perfect photo opportunity, the project positions N.A.R. Park as a must-visit destination in Dawson Creek.

The Lighting of City Signs project celebrates the past while looking to the future, combining functionality with cultural preservation. The enhancements promise to make N.A.R. Park an even brighter beacon of community pride and connection.