The Wistaria Hall was built in 1925 and since that time has been an integral part of community life for many rural-dwelling families on the south side of Burns Lake. The hall had been without a potable water system, so ?good? water had to be brought in for events. Water for washing and the washrooms was hauled by truck to a holding tank. The purpose of this Society-supported project was to drill a well to provide a convenient source of ?good? water. This project was approved in the 1999-2000 fiscal year in the amount of $9000 (all of which was expended). Well drilling commenced at the end of April 2000. However, at 370 feet, there was no appreciable water, even though the area had been ?witched?. Tweedsmuir Recreation Commission then approached NKDFS to fund, in part, the digging of an additional 100 feet. This request was approved in June 2000. However, the additional depth made no difference (at only 6 gallons/hour, the water in the well was probably just seepage) and the well was capped. Unfortunately this project was another reminder of the challenges of northern rural living!

This project covers phase one of a long-term goal to develop a commercial sector in Kitamaat Village, and has been identified as the main development priority of the community. There is no area in the village suitable for individual commercial ventures and the capital costs required to develop land discourages individual entrepreneurs from coming forward. The design phase includes the drafting of a master land use plan and assessments by geotechnical, hydrotechnical and environmental consultants and the completion of a detailed design of the Wathl Creek Commercial Area. Kitamaat Village Council experienced some major delays (originally approved in March 2000) with this project due largely to questions about the ownership of a portion of the land included in the project, and difficulty in securing substantial contributing funds.

The Wistaria Hall was built in 1925 and since that time has been an integral part of community life for many rural-dwelling families on the south side of Burns Lake. The hall had been without a potable water system, so ?good? water had to be brought in for events. Water for washing and the washrooms was hauled by truck to a holding tank. The purpose of this Society-supported project was to drill a well to provide a convenient source of ?good? water. This project was approved in the 1999-2000 fiscal year in the amount of $9000 (all of which was expended). Well drilling commenced at the end of April 2000. However, at 370 feet, there was no appreciable water, even though the area had been ?witched?. Tweedsmuir Recreation Commission then approached NKDFS to fund, in part, the digging of an additional 100 feet. This request was approved in June 2000. However, the additional depth made no difference (at only 6 gallons/hour, the water in the well was probably just seepage) and the well was capped. Unfortunately this project was another reminder of the challenges of northern rural living!

Funding assistance was to complete an assessment of the training needs of the volunteer organizations in Fort Fraser, Nautley and Fraser Lake.

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 Ootsa Lake Community originally applied to the NKDF for support for a new water system in early 2000, but the proposal was rejected until the community members had fully explored all their options, firmed up the costs and found more funding partners. Eighteen months later, the NKDF approved a much stronger proposal, involving a hill-top storage tank that gravity-feeds purified water to residents within a few kilometres.

The Cheslatta Carrier Nation was approved for funding assistance for the delivery of training of community leaders and managers of recently established joint-ventures in forestry.

The community hall is the Haisla's center of business and as such, it is in constant use for public meetings, training and fundraising events. NKDF directors approved assistance toward essential repairs to the flooring of the community hall. Matching funds were in the form of donated labour and equipment.

Community Futures Development Corporation of Stuart-Nechako lead this project with a purpose of helping communities and organizations throughout the region work collaboratively to develop a Regional Economic Development Strategy whereby participants identify assets, opportunities, needs and priorities toward developing and implementing plans to meet common regional goals and objectives.

This project included training Haisla people in Eco-tourism, coaching them through the start-up of new small businesses, and improving infrastructure for eco-tourism and cultural tourism. This was the first time NKDF was been asked to partner with private foundation funding and the second funding partnership with Skeena Native Development Society.

Kitamaat Village was well positioned to participate in BC?s Northern Winter Games held in Kitimat in February 2004, but their gym urgently needed new flooring and the heating system needed repairs. The offer made by the NKDF to cover those two costs unleashed a flurry of community spirit, where dozens of people of all ages showed up for weeks, dismantling the old floor and bleachers, painting all the walls and getting the new flooring installed just in time for the Games. The proud community and the new floor were featured in the television and newspaper coverage of the subsequent games. This 30-year old building serves as the only indoor recreation area for the school and the village as a whole. It is also used for training, political meetings and large community gatherings. In its previous condition it could not generate revenue nor be used year-round.

Fort Fraser requested funding for a secondary well from the NKDF and from the Canada BC Infrastructure program. Problems with the existing well led to situations where the community relied on river water for periods of up to 10 weeks. Drilling a secondary well addresses water safety, health and fire protection concerns, all of which affect economic development prospects. NKDF directors finally approved 50% funding for this project after the Canada-BC Infrastructure turned it down, and after it became apparent that this project was consistently Fort Fraser?s highest priority project.

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.

NKDF Directors approved this project to replace the food concession trailer at the Fall Fairgrounds. The building was completed in time for the September 2004 fair.

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.

LDSCHA built a senior?s housing complex in the Village of Burns Lake. The Association constructed 17 new units to meet increasing demand for senior?s housing in the Burns Lake area. The tenants for the supportive housing project are mainly residents from the Lakes District Area who requirie hospitality and personal care supports, either seniors or adults with physical disabilities which restrict them from living independently. Each unit is self-contained and wheelchair accessible.

Cheslatta Carrier Nation constructed a building to house a carving shed. It is intended to provide a place for skilled artisans for do their work while remaining open for visitors. It offers a facility to showcase local Southside skills and talents. The project was funded in partnership by NKDF and Cheslatta Carrier Nation.

Since it was first organized in 1944, the Burns Lake Public Library has moved and expanded a number of times to meet growing demands on its services. The Library serves more than 1600 patrons, including more than 100 from the Southside of Francois Lake. This grant is to assist with the construction related to doubling the size of the library. Funding partners for this project include NKDF, the Burns Lake Public Library Association and the Province of British Columbia Community Development Initiative.

Drilling a secondary well addresses water safety, health and fire protection concerns, all of which affect economic development prospects. NKDF approved this increase in funding for the purpose of including new equipment that increased the overall cost of getting the well to the operational stage.

The proponent established a local radio station in Kitamaat Village, with the help of the Northern Native Broadcasting network. The purpose of the project was to create a communication vehicle that would pass on community news and notices, serve as an interactive vehicle for band members to communicate with public decision-makers, and allow cultural heritage programming with the objective of maintaining and revitalizing Haisla identity. NKDF provided funding for capital costs and Kitamaat Village Council provided the remainder of funding for the project.

The Southside Volunteer Fire Department was incorporated 1983 and provides fire protection for the communities on the south side of Francois Lake. With this project, the SVFA installed a 5,000-gallon water tank underground in the Grassy Plains area from which pumpers and the tanker can fill to provide a more efficient fire protection in the area. Donors to the project included: Lakes District Road Maintenance, Southside Health & Wellness Centre, Ondina Enterprises, Regional District of Bulkley Nechako, Karen Blair, Jeff and Rhonda Giesbrecht, and Conrad Amendt Trucking Ltd.

The purpose of this project was to complete an Arts and Cultural assessment, conducted by District of Vanderhoof in partnership with various arts and cultural groups in the Nechako area. Championed by the Spirit of BC Community Committee, the assessment was a necessary component in the overall goal of the 2010 Legacies Now, which is to ?create a sustainable legacy that will benefit all British Columbians as a result of hosting the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games.' Funding partners included the Arts Now 2010 Legacies Program and the District of Vanderhoof. The Art Scan project resulted in a Directory of cultural resources for the area as well as identifying economic and educational opportunities.

The purpose of this project was to assist with renovations to C?imo?ca Childcare Centre in Kitamaat Village. C?imo?ca provides the Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youth (HIPPY) program to members of Haisla Nation. In order to create a healthy and effective environment for staff, parents and children, the centre required upgrades to the facility, including increasing the office space, removal of carpeting in the play area, increasing the kitchen area, closing off the infant/toddler washroom from the pubic, and purchase of office equipment.

The goal of this project was to increase surgical services at St. John Hospital in Vanderhoof by purchasing arthroscopic surgical equipment and patient care monitoring systems. The applicant implemented and highly successful fundraising campaign to raise the majority of investment required for this project. This project brings economic benefit by increasing the number of operating room procedures possible per year, and by attracting business from outside the area. The project enhances the level of medical services to Vanderhoof, Endako, Fort Fraser, Fraser Lake, Ft. St. James, Nak?azdli, Tlazt?en, Stellat?en, Nadleh Whut?en and Saik?uz.

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 was to undertake the preliminary phases of the research that the proponent believes will culminate in the development of a deep water break bulk port facility on the Kitimat waterfront. The project objectives include identifying regional products flows, identifying commodities and major shippers, surveying various shipping and handling technologies, developing conceptual transport systems, consulting with the major shippers, assessing the shipper?s infrastructure environment, and reviewing environmental issues at the port site. NKDF assisted with phase I of the project, which led to the creation of the Kitamaat Port Development Society.

The purpose of this project was to develop communications infrastructure by installing telecommunication equipment needed to provide high speed Internet access to Fort Fraser and surrounding area. Fort Fraser Ambulance Society and East Francois Lake Volunteer Fire/Rescue were awarded Last-Mile Project Community Networking Infrastructure Grants by the Ministry of Labour and Citizens? Services. Project benefits include: increased communication for emergency services, increased participation in economic development opportunities, easier for local businesses to operate, increased ability for professionals to telecommute, better access to distance education, and increased interrelations between communities.

Since it was first organized in 1944, the Library has moved and expanded a number of times to meet growing demands on its services. The Library serves more than 1600 patrons, including more than 100 from the Southside of Francois Lake. This contribution is for the purchase of shelving and installation of a lift to make the facility assessable to all patrons. Funding partners for this project include the NKDF, the Burns Lake Public Library Association and the Province of British Columbia Community Development Initiative.

Southside Health & Wellness Centre offers basic public health services to clients in the Southside area. This project expanded those services to include and autoclave, a centrifuge and an audiometer. The new equipment enables the proponent to perform and process blood work locally, for which the clients previously needed to travel outside the community. The equipment reduces the time needed for locals to travel away from Southside to get the medical services, as well as lowering the risk of traveling for medical reasons. The equipment will have a long-term positive impact on the quality of life in the Southside area. Funding partners for this project include the NKDF Society, the Cheslatta Community Forest Legacy and Southside Health & Wellness Centre.

Kitamaat Village Council plans to start a band-owned construction business to serve clients in Kitamaat Village and the greater Kitimat area. The purpose of the business is to: a) create meaningful employment opportunity for Haisla band members, and b) provide surpluses to KVC to use for sustainable capacity development, and c) serve as a demonstration project to model a business success for the community. The business will provide the following services: renovation and construction of earth-based structures, basements, drain tile and septic systems, retaining walls, driveways and ditching, culverts, and general site remediation. NKDF funding is to assist with the purchase of the needed equipment for the project. A key to this approval was the proponents commitment to invest any surpluses back into capacity building for Haisla Band members.

This project is a partnership made up of North Central Municipal Association (NCMA) and the BC Paraplegic Association (BCPA), supported by the BC Healthy Communities Initiative. The Measuring Up Initiative was created by the 2010 Legacies Now to encourage communities to self-evaluate on the issue of accessibility; it is a ?guide and process?, no funding is provided for the process. The proponent was approved for a small portion of the project. Funds are to hire a Coordinator for 1 year and office and equipment costs.

During the winter of 2006-2007 the Lakes communities experienced record breaking snowfalls, the weight of the snow collapsing buildings, downing power lines and trees from Houston through to Fort Fraser. As a result, there is a need to clean up massive amounts of woody debris on rights of ways, yards, roads and hay meadows. With the help of NKDFS funding assistance, Cheslatta Carrier First Nation will purchase a large capacity wood chipper and contract clean up jobs throughout the area. Once established, the operation will expand to include other types of work, such as tree trimming, pruning and brush clean-up. The proponent will begin training workers as early as late May 2007 and to begin working in the field in late June 2007.

This application originally came to NKDFS in November 2005. At that time the application was declined, but the NKDF Board instead approved $5,000 for the proponent to conduct study to determine feasibility. Lakes District Airport Society has now completed research and planning for the construction of a 2,560 square foot airport terminal building at the Baker Airport. The project includes construction, professional design, site preparation, septic upgrade, slab on grade foundation, framing, electrical, plumbing, finishing work and landscaping.

After a grueling winter that left the facility in poor repair, NKDF approved funding assistance for improvements to the Community Hall in Grassy Plains, specifically repairs to the broken walkway, railings and overhead roof, and installation of a Plexiglas windbreak along the back deck. The Community Hall has been in existence almost 40 years, has been and will continue to be maintained by the self-sustaining Grassy Plains Community Hall Association, largely supported through fundraisers and volunteer efforts.

The fair grounds are home to the annual agriculture fair, which has been ongoing for more than 60 years. This year, LDFFA will build a barn for heavy horses and other stock as well as upgrade the addition of the exhibit hall by putting in a concrete floor, permanent lighting and roughing in the plumbing. NKDF, COMFOR and LDFFA will partner in funding this project.

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 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.

Village of Fraser Lake plans to develop a 30-acre property on the south side of Highway 16. The purpose is to provide serviced commercial-industrial land for sale to potential entrepreneurs, in hopes of attracting new enterprises and services to the area.

The purpose of the Grassroots Economic Development Opportunities Fund is to enable NKDFS to facilitate project development at the community level while leveraging funding from outside the investment area. The idea behind this concept is to have funds available to assist constituents or applicants to turn their project ideas into living projects. The fund is currently administered on an as-needed basis by the NKDF Manager. The funds are to assist prospective applicants with locating potential funding agencies for projects and broader economic development related projects such as making training available that might not otherwise be offered in the communities in the NKDF investment area.

The Fort Fraser Local Commission hopes to entice visitors to stop, access services, and spend more time in Fort Fraser. NKDF approved funds to assist with creating a ?Fort Fraser Brochure?, purchasing materials and hiring workers to carry out beautification projects during the summer of 2008. This project is funded in partnership by Regional District of Bulkley Nechako, UBCM, and NKDF.

The Burns Lake Beautification Committee will replace the older, well-used banner with a new electronic sign to communicate with locals and visitors to the area. The electronic sign will display advertising for commercial and non-profit chamber members and non-members.

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.

Power interruption is a frequent and often prolonged occurrence for Southside residents. SH&WC experiences numerous power failures each year, causing interference to the delivery of services. An extreme example of this occurred during the snowstorm of October 2006, when the facility was closed for over 2 service days resulting in several programs being cancelled or rescheduled. The installation of an emergency backup generator, located at the Health Centre will benefit all community residents by allowing for the continuous delivery of much needed health services, even if there are delays in getting back onto the Hydro grid. This project consists of purchasing and installing an emergency backup power generator at the Southside Health & Wellness Centre. This project is funded in partnership by NKDF, Southside Health & Wellness Centre, and Rio Tinto Alcan.

Southside Volunteer Fire Dept is a registered Society operating since 1983 in the Southside area. The fire hall does not currently have a water supply – water is hauled to the hall location from François Lake. In 2005, NKDF assisted SVFDS to install a 5000 gallon underground water tank at the Southside Health & Wellness Centre. This application is for funding assistance to install a 1500' water line from Francois Lake to the fire hall to create a year round supply of water to that location. This project is funded in partnership by NKDF, Southside Volunteer Fire Department Society, and Hamp Construction.

The fair grounds are home to the annual agriculture fair, which has been ongoing for more than 60 years. With this project, LDFFA intends to upgrade the exhibit hall and horse barn, as well as upgrading the washroom and constructing a first aid / office building.

In 2008, KVC constructed a new administration building. With this project, NKDF approved funding to assist with paving the parking lot and installation of a side walk, a welcome sign and landscaping for the new administration building.