The Village of McBride is in the midst of developing additional capacity for local businesses, while also establishing their new Grow Robson Valley – Business Support Centre. Northern Development Initiative Trust approved $250,000 to assist the Village of McBride purchasing and renovating the former Forest District office located on a 10-acre commercial site.
Until now there have been limited opportunities for McBride entrepreneurs to locate along the highway. However, with the new commercial site, local entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to rent available space in the facility, allowing them to grow their businesses at a new, more accessible location along Highway 16, a major transportation corridor.
The office space will house the new Grow Robson Valley – Business Support Centre. The Support Centre will act as a hub, where local entrepreneurs can gain assistance from the support centre through professional services that will be located in the commercial space. The 10-acre site, adjacent to Yellowhead Highway 16, will also be the new location for the municipality’s public works department.
In addition to the Trust’s contribution, the Village of McBride is committing $100,000 for the purchase of the commercial site. This project was approved under the Trust’s Economic Diversification Infrastructure program, which provides up to $250,000 in funding to municipalities, regional districts, First Nations and non-profit organizations in Northern Development’s service area.
Quotes
“The commercial site investment is located along a key transportation corridor in central B.C. in a valley with a depressed economy and will expand the range of opportunity for small businesses to co-locate in McBride,” said Evan Saugstad, Chair, Northern Development Initiative Trust. “Northern Development is proud to support this project through our Economic Diversification Infrastructure program.”
“The Village of McBride is excited to purchase this building, which will be used to create a unique opportunity for small businesses who are looking to operate on the highway, and will encourage economic growth in our community,” said Mayor Mike Frazier, Village of McBride. “Thanks to Northern Development Initiative Trust for making this possible.”
“This initiative is an excellent economic diversification opportunity for the Village of McBride,” said Eliana Clements, CAO, Village of McBride. “Thank you to the Northern Development Initiative Trust for their continued support in our community.”
Quick Facts
• The proposed renovations to the commercial site have the potential to increase its value by almost $300,000.
• There is also potential for the Village of McBride to generate more than $730,000 in new revenue over the next five years through office rentals and commercial land leases.
• With the purchase of the new site, the Village’s public works department’s annual operating expenses will be reduced.
• Northern Development has already approved 20 projects through the Economic Diversification Infrastructure program in 2014, with a combined total funding commitment of $4,098,083.
Contact
Joel McKay
Director, Communications
Northern Development Initiative Trust
joel@northerndevelopment.bc.ca
250-561-2525
Caitlin Hartigan,
Manager, Market Development
Northern Development Initiative Trust
caitlin@northerndevelopment.bc.ca
250-561-2525
