September 2023 - Newsletter

Mountain bikers, hiker, skiers and snowshoers alike can take advantage of all Sunshine Mountain has to offer with the development of two new trails within the Bralorne Recreation Area.

This project is designed to increase recreation opportunities in the Bridge River Valley. With Sunshine Mountain now designated as a provincial recreation site, these new trails will attract outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds.

The two new trails are high-quality, industry standard, sustainable routes suitable for non-motorized recreation. The first trail measures approximately two kilometres in length with 408 metres of elevation gain. The second trail measures just under three kilometres in length with 547 metres of vertical.

Recreational mountain bike trails are more than just paths for avid cyclists. They offer a plethora of benefits that extend beyond biking itself, positively impacting various forms of recreation, promoting health and well-being, and boosting local economies. These trails provide a dynamic canvas for outdoor enthusiasts and serve as a testament to the harmonious coexistence of nature, sports, and economic growth.

“Since the project was completed we have noticed a massive increase in the number of people riding mountain bikes in the community, as well as an increase in the regularity of rides,” said Blake Roswell, Coordinator, Bralorne Recreation Area Advisory Committee. “We have a healthier, more active community as a direct result of NDIT funding.”

Northern Development approved $100,000 for this project from the Recreation Infrastructure program, which supports community efforts to create and support recreational infrastructure, such as arenas, gymnasiums, golf courses, fields, boat launches and others.

Approximately 40,000 people were in attendance August 9 to 13 for the 101^st annual Dawson Creek Exhibition and Stampede.

This yearly crowd-pleasing event features professional chuckwagon races, pro-tour rodeo, large agricultural fair and Elite Indian Relay Racing, an old sport that has been surging in popularity. The relay team consists of a rider dressed in traditional Indigenous regalia and three painted thoroughbreds. After each lap, the rider jumps off one horse and onto the next.

There is a growing competitive circuit for Indian Relay Racing, with events and championships held throughout North America. These events attract participants and spectators alike, creating a sense of community and celebration.

The Dawson Creek Exhibition and Stampede attracts rodeo enthusiasts from all over Canada and the US to Dawson Creek and is often featured on the Cowboy Channel internationally.

This event was supported with $5,000 from the Fabulous Festivals and Events program which supports unique celebrations throughout the region that contribute to service sector revenues in the local economy.

Did you know Northern Development has an internships program that pairs recent post-secondary graduates with a local or Indigenous government in Northern B.C.?

These paid, year-long intern positions help prepare grads with the skills, experience and connections they need to propel their career forward. For the host community, the intern program is an opportunity to seek out people with the potential of being long term contributors to their team by providing a skill set that they may not currently possess. 

To learn more about our internships, please register for one of four Zoom sessions with Felicia Magee, our director of economic development.

The dates are as follows:

October 17 – for host communities only.
1:00 – 1:45 p.m.

October 26 – for interns
12:00 – 12:45 p.m.

November 15 – for interns
6:00 – 6:45 p.m.

January 24 – for interns
9:00 – 9:45 a.m.

Please visit our Important Dates page for more information and to register.