Funding assistance was approved for the purpose of providing a proposal writing workshop.

Funding was approved to provide assistance for the proponent to organize and hold the Touch Wood 2000 Forum in May 2000.

This project was identified as one of the priorities for development during a community priority-setting event in 1999. Spearheaded by a volunteer group (Vanderhoof Revitalization Committee) under the auspices of the District of Vanderhoof, the downtown revitalization project has made dramatic improvements to the business environment of the downtown core. Funding partners to date include the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and the District of Vanderhoof. One of the immediate outcomes of this project has been that several of the neighbouring businesses have upgraded their own properties to tie in with the improvements. This ambitious project was the first multi-year commitment made by the NKDF.

The Braeside Recreation Commission and its community hall serves a community of 400 in the rural area of Vanderhoof and has been providing a focus for community activities for 28 years. A comprehensive ?community needs survey? done in 1998 concluded there was a need for a larger, more suitable community gathering facility. After considering the evidence of community volunteerism and commitments from partners such as the BC Gaming Commission, the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako and Alcan, the NKDF directors decided to assist with Phase 1 of this project (doors, insulation, sheeting, foundations and electrical upgrades). The project provided an inspiring example of community participation, with up to 15 volunteers at weekend work bees, and other residents providing food for the workers. In the final report, the Commission had tracked over 1600 volunteer hours and 80 equipment hours.

The volunteers of The Nechako Valley Historical Society have been managing a museum site with the help of local businesses and government since 1980. The land and buildings belong to the District of Vanderhoof, but the NVHS is responsible for the care and operation of the facilities. The directors of the society recognized a need to develop a business plan that would show them how to increase revenues, complete existing projects and develop into a viable organization. They raised the required funding from NKDF and hired consultant Shirley Moon of ?Women @ Work? to survey residents and local non profit groups and to write the business plan. The outcomes of implementing the plan include increasing membership and attracting more income from tourists and other sources.

NKDF Directors were impressed with the level of community support for this project which already had matching funds in place from the District of Vanderhoof, the Rotary Club and the Nechako Valley Credit Union. Another factor in the approval of this project was that the District had committed to an annual maintenance budget of $8000. Once completed, this project added to the quality of life in Vanderhoof for residents and visitors by allowing evening use of walking trails in winter, by reducing vandalism, by improving safety, and by increasing the range of activities that the park can be used for.

This project assists the community in preparing a needs assessment and business plan for all services required by seniors in entire region, with particular attention to preparing an Expression of Interest to Independent Living BC.

This project was approved to address the need for public discussion on several large proposals to the NKDF coming from Vanderhoof. The NKDF directors hoped that a good cross-section of the community would rank order the projects and thereby assist them in making decisions on which ones to fund. A community meeting took place in January 2004 with over 50 people attending. The outcome was several new project approvals for Vanderhoof and a helpful context for assessing future projects.

The Nechako Senior's Friendship Hall was built in 1975, mostly with BC Lottery funds. It serves as the main community hall and venue for most of Vanderhoof?s major events, such as training and provincial and federal elections. Weather-damage to the roof was shortening the lifespan of the building.

This project involved having water and septic service installed at a popular recreational facility run by a non-profit society.

After being turned down twice, this proponent made a final submission with very convincing evidence that keeping seniors in the community is a significant economic driver for the Nechako area. A public meeting in Vanderhoof in January 2004 also demonstrated strong support for this project. NKDF directors were impressed with the track record and community spirit of this group and decided to support 50% of the costs to construct four new senior's housing units. This type of housing was not eligible for government funding (such as Independent Living BC) as the units are designed to be self-supporting with no services.

This project was identified as one of the priorities for development during a community priority-setting event in 1999. Spearheaded by a volunteer group (Vanderhoof Revitalization Committee) under the auspices of the District of Vanderhoof, the downtown revitalization project has made dramatic improvements to the business environment of the downtown core. Funding partners to date include the Ministry of Municipal Affairs, BC Hydro and the District of Vanderhoof. One of the immediate outcomes of this project has been that several of the neighbouring businesses have upgraded their own properties to tie in with the improvements. This is a continuation of the first multi-year commitment made by the NKDF.

This project is comprised of installing a walking bridge over Stony Creek, using a 64? rail flatcar enhanced with guardrails. The footbridge will help extend the walking path from Riverside Park to the Vanderhoof Museum. Funding partners include the Vanderhoof Rotary Club, the BC Real Estate Foundation and the District of Vanderhoof. Aside from the jobs created by the construction phase of the project, this project is expected to contribute economic benefit to the community by helping to make the area more attractive for visitors.

This project, which included both an economic strategy and an infrastructure upgrade plan, was done in part to stimulate economic development at the airport. The Vanderhoof Airport has served the Stuart-Nechako region since 1938. The District of Vanderhoof saw potential for an improved airport facility to play an important role in broadening the community?s economic base. Project goals included: diversification of the local economy, upgrading the airport infrastructure, encouraging new businesses to locate at the airport, and assisting businesses currently using the airport to expand their services. The District of Vanderhoof and NKDFS were contributors to this project.

The purpose of this project was to create and install painted wooden welcome signs on Highway 16 to the east and west of Vanderhoof. The signs are esthetic in design, approximately 6? X 11?, and visible 24 hours per day with lighting. The District of Vanderhoof and NKDFS each funded 50% of the project.

The District of Vanderhoof, along with other local communities and First Nations envision that a regionally significant interpretive centre, linked to white sturgeon recovery efforts, will present economic opportunities to enhance tourism, education, and environmental stewardship. The project is funded in partnership by District of Vanderhoof, Western Economic Diversification (CEDI), and NKDF. The NKDF funding will go toward the cost of a business plan.

The District of Vanderhoof upgraded the dressing rooms in the Memorial Arena. Constructed in 1975, there had been no major upgrades to the facility since the addition of a mezzanine in 1991. The expansion of the dressing rooms has helped to modernize the facility and allow for hosting of large scale tournaments and competitions in the areas of hockey, football, lacrosse, rugby, baseball, soccer and in addition, entertainment and tradeshows. The dressing rooms are accessible from the inside or outside of the facility, for mixed teams (male/female) and for use by handicapped athletes. The District of Vanderhoof and NKDFS partnered in providing funding for this project.

NKDF Directors were impressed with the track record and community spirit of this group. This type of housing is not eligible for government funding (such as Independent Living BC) as the units are designed to be self-supporting with no services. With assistance from NKDF, NVSCHS constructed new buildings, a 3-plex, a duplex and a power building. The primary beneficiaries of this project will be the growing senior?s population of Vanderhoof, and the local businesses and agencies that serve them.

The NKDF Society partnered with the District of Vanderhoof and the Province of British Columbia to rehabilitate Vanderhoof airport runway 07-25. Preceding this project, NKDF partnered with the District of Vanderhoof to complete an Airport Development Plan, which presented the proponent with a number of options to upgrade the airport. The project was and is fully supported by a number of business members and residents in the community. The airport is used by a broad range of user groups and is fundamental to economic opportunities in the Nechako region.

The purpose of this project is to create a lasting legacy to honour the memory of Mary John and to advance the goals she stood for. The proponent is creating The Mary John Collection, comprised of books, audiovisuals, and a map and photo archive. The project will add to the economic base over the long term, both through the local educational and cultural component and through visits by non-local visitors to the area.

The District of Vanderhoof will build the Vanderhoof Spirit Square with a park-like theme on Highway 16 West. Spirit Square will feature a number of displays, including: First Nations, bird and wildlife, walk of fame, agricultural and forestry. The project is co-funded by the NKDF, the District of Vanderhoof and the Province of British Columbia. It is intended to be an attraction, both for locals and for visitors to the area, providing short-term jobs during the construction phase, and long term economic benefits through expenditures by visitors.

The District of Vanderhoof will build the Vanderhoof Spirit Square with a park-like theme on Highway 16 West. Spirit Square will feature a number of displays, including: First Nations, bird and wildlife, walk of fame, agricultural and forestry. The project is co-funded by the NKDF, the District of Vanderhoof and the Province of British Columbia. It is intended to be an attraction, both for locals and for visitors to the area, providing short-term jobs during the construction phase, and long term economic benefits through expenditures by visitors.

The District of Vanderhoof proposes to increase the economic stability and quality of life of the Vanderhoof community by installing airport lighting and a navigation system that will allow for 24 hour access to the airport. NKDF assisted with funding for an engineering report for the Vanderhoof airport in 2005, and subsequently with funding for upgrades to Runway 07-25 in 2006 (recommended First Phase). This project was recommended as Option 2 (Second Phase) in the 2005 study/report. This funding partnership includes NKDF, District of Vanderhoof, Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, Northern Development Initiative, and WD-CEDI Program.

The District of Vanderhoof in constructing a Sportsfield & Stadium Complex, in partnership with School District 91, the Olympic/Paralympic Live Sites Program, Western Economic Diversification (CEDI), and NKDF. Phase one of the project will include a premier grass playing field, a six lane shale running track and two washrooms.

The District of Vanderhoof will revitalize the downtown area of Burrard Avenue from Columbia to Victoria Street. This is the fourth phase of the Vanderhoof downtown revitalization. The project is funded in partnership by the District of Vanderhoof, Western Economic Diversification (CEDI), and NKDF.

The project involves renovations and upgrades to a historic building that serves as an anchor for the Nechako Valley Historical Society, housing both the cafe and a number of collections. NVHS has a five year plan for the building and social enterprise to become a significant northern historical attraction and create economic benefits for the area. This approval is the first toward a partnership that includes Regional District of Bulkley Nechako, NVHS and NKDF.

The project involves renovations and upgrades to a historic building that serves as an anchor for the Nechako Valley Historical Society, housing both the cafe and a number of collections. NVHS has a five year plan for the building and social enterprise to become a significant northern historical attraction and create economic benefits for the area. This approval is the second toward a partnership that includes Regional District of Bulkley Nechako, NVHS and NKDF.

After successful completion of two prior construction projects and the addition of several senior's housing units to the Vanderhoof community, NVSCHS is approved to receive funding assistance to constuct 8 more affordable housing units to the property. This type of housing is not eligible for government funding (such as Independent Living BC) as the units are designed to be self-supporting with no services. The primary beneficiaries of this project will be the growing senior?s population of Vanderhoof, and the local businesses and agencies that serve them.

NVCSS has opened a new non-profit coffee house called The Bean on Burrard Coffee House in order to provide employment to persons with developmental delays. The Nechako Valley Community Organics Project is an expansion of the Bean on Burrard project. NVCSS will establish a greenhouse to be operated by persons with developmental delays (with guidance and support by life skills workers). The Nechako Valley Community Organics project is intended to maximize employment and build further capacity for up to ten individuals with disabilities. Funding is provided to assist with construction of the greenhouse and purchase of equipment. This project is funded in partnership by NKDF, NVCSS, Atkins Growers, NuGrowth Technology, NeighbourLink, Northern Outdoor Energy Systems, and HEAL.

Rip'N The North Bike Club was approved for funding assistance for constructing a bike skills park on a property provided by the District of Vanderhoof. The Club members successfully garnered cash donations and considerable in-kind contributions toward the project, totalling 50% of the project costs. The bike park will be a valuable resource for locals and visitors of all ages and the Club has gained considerable grassroots community support for its efforts.