Ootsa Lake Bible Camp began in 1956 and its main purpose is to give children and youth an opportunity to make new friends, learn life skills and to become acquainted with their Creator. One of the purposes behind the new, expanded lodge is that more programs can be added for special needs groups such as seniors, families and people with disabilities. In addition, the camp is available to any local community group for retreats, training and entertainment. It is a focal part of the rural Ootsa community. The goal of its board of Directors is to have the new 10-bedroom lodge completed in 2002. The new lodge is to have washroom facilities on all floors, recreation / meeting room in the basement, a large meeting/dining room on the main floor and a full kitchen. It will be wheel-chair accessible and useable year-round. Application was made to the NKDFS for participation in part of the construction costs.

The Haisla Kitamaat Heritage Corridor project involves development of a "corridor" throughout Kitamaat Village that highlights touristic assets such as a community garden, community green house, community smoke house, and the Haisla Art Gallery (Haisla School). The corridor will provide an opportunity for visitors to discover the culture, heritage and traditions of the Haisla Nation. The main goal of the project is to involve as many Haisla people as possible and provide jobs and economic spin-offs throughout the community.

The Nechako Watershed Council has been working since 1998 to resolve some of the watershed issues created by the Kenney Dam. One of the initiatives they are taking the lead on is the Cold Water Release Facility. The NWC recognized the complex environmental and economic assessments required for such a project and asked the NKDF and the Northern Development Commission to share the costs of the first step: getting expert advice on what assessment methodology should be used. Economist, Gary Holman, was contracted and completed the report. The resulting product is being used to define the methodology of the next step, which is: to do a systematic 'Assessment and Evaluation of the Benefits of Cold Water Release.' That ?AEB? document will be used in turn to raise $50 million of the estimated $100 million project costs ($50 million has already been committed by Alcan).

The marina is a focal point of the community, for traditional and commercial activities, but it was in urgent need of upgrades to meet the needs of modern fishing and tourism operators. This project brought electrical service, lights, fresh water and new decking to the floats and wharf and is an excellent example of NKDF funds being used to improve public infrastructure to increase economic opportunity. Skeena Native Development Society paid for the labour and 16/37 Community Futures Development Corporation shared the capital costs with the NKDF. 16/37 also approved a loan to enable the Harbour Authority to purchase a revenue-generating crane for moving freight between the boats and the wharf. The Village Council contributed the project management costs.

Funding assistance was approved to make improvements to this historical trail used by both the local First Nations and by the early pioneers. This project did not proceed due to conditions not being met.

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.

Fort Fraser hired several local students to manage this project in the summer of 2003. They cleaned up the highway and cemetery areas, planted flowers and moved the caboose from private land to a more suitable visitor reception site. Other funding partners included Alcan Inc., the Regional District of Bulkley Nechako and Human Resources Development Canada.

This project was approved on a one-time basis for the summer of 2003 to assist the Society to maintain trails and campsites once managed by the Ministry of Forests.

The Takysie Lake Trail is an historical trail used by both first nations and the early pioneers to travel from Ootsa Lake to Takysie Lake and areas north. Local residents still use parts of this trail for hiking, horseback riding and snowmobiling. The purpose of this project was to restore the entire length of the trail and then promote it for use by tourists and locals.

Restoring the historic wharf on Fraser Lake was a high priority for the community for many years and fits in with the larger waterfront development plan. The completed wharf is expected to help the Village in its afforts to attract new private investment to the waterfront. NKDF directors were impressed by the strong community support and long term planning behind this project, but required that an engineering study be completed first to make sure the old pilings were usable. Matching funds were provided by the Softwood Industry Community Economic Adjustment Initiative (SICEAI) and by the Fraser Lake taxpayers.

This project creates the first and only outdoor gathering area in the village, and will be used as a reception area for welcoming visitors and tours. A sheltered kiosk serve as a vending area for local artisans and entrepreneurs.

NKDF funds were approved for the purpose of replacing ski rental and snow-grooming equipment at a publicly owned and operated ski hill in Fort St. James. Regional benefits included keeping skiers in the Vanderhoof area, increasing local wages and employment. This project was approved conditional to receiving the support of elected representatives of local communities in the NKDF investment area and on raising matching funds. Funding partners for the first $30,000 included the Regional District of Bulkley Nechako, Nechako Valley Credit Union and the BC Gaming Commission.

In Burns Lake, the Lakes Outdoor Recreation Society received funding assistance to put students to work in 2004 and build a new recreational trail that will attract and retain visitors.

This project built on the successes of 2003 and enabled the proponent to complete the installation of the caboose as a visitor reception area in 2004.

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.

Kitamaat Village Council and Haisla Fisheries Commission have established shellfish test sites with the intention of developing a shellfish business in the area. Due to the high salinity of the Douglas Channel the sites must be located many miles from Kitamaat. The purpose of this project was to construct two additional rafts and purchase some necessary equipment for the project, including a suitable boat with which to safely access the experimental plots. Aside from safety, this project linked to economic development by making it possible for Haisla to compete for a variety of employment opportunities in the Kitamaat area, including research, fishery and forestry contracts.

This increases the previously approved grant to a total of $180,000 for this project. Restoring the historic wharf on Fraser Lake has been a high priority for the community for many years and fits in with the larger waterfront development plan. The completed wharf is expected to attract new private investment to the waterfront. NKDF directors were impressed by the strong community support and long term planning behind this project, but required that an engineering study be completed first to make sure the old pilings were usable. After a series of delays, the project finally got underway in the spring of 2005, with the pilings installed by the end of March. Funding partners include the Softwood Industry Community Economic Adjustment Initiative (SICEAI) and the Village of Fraser Lake.

This project involves completing construction of a new lodge at Ootsa Lake Bible Camp, approximately 50 km south of Burns Lake. The goals of the project included: increasing the capacity of the camp, improving access for seniors and handicapped groups, increasing the range of winter activities, and making the camp available for winter use by community groups. The only camp of its type in the area, the project is expects to increase visits and spending in the Southside communities. As well as the NKDF contribution, the remainder of the project will be funded primarily through the Society?s private fundraising efforts and in-kind contributions. The Society completed the project by August 25, 2005 in time to celebrate its 50th anniversary.

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.

This application was championed by the Soccer Club and managed by Village of Burns Lake. The purpose of the project was to construct a 10? X 20? 8? washroom facility. The property, owned by School District 91, is used by a variety of groups, including soccer, walking, handicap exercise, coach?s clinics, search and rescue, bicycle riders, students and dry-land hockey. Lack of a public washroom was a limiting factor to this property for the Burns Lake community.

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 proponent is hosting a Community Arts Festival event as a step toward creating an Arts Council. While building on the strength of existing events such as the Lakes District Performing Arts Festival, the project is helping to meet the requirements to become an Arts Council, create a yearly event involving local residents, and encourage Aboriginal arts and culture awareness within the community. Artists are invited from all over the province to participate.

The Burns Lake Sports Center Association is a non-profit charitable organization that operates the Tom Forsyth Memorial Arena in Burns Lake. The Arena caters to at least 15 user groups, is host to 14 winter tournaments and 3 summer events ? each event attracts approximately 160 visitors to the community. The goal of this project is to provide upgrades to the facility and purchase safety equipment for the Arena. Funding partners include Burns Lake Community Forest and the Corporation of the Village of Burns Lake.

The purpose of the project is to assess, plan, design, educate, and promote a first class mountain biking/hybrid trail system in the Lakes District. The proponent engaged the International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA) to work with staff and stakeholders to complete phase one of designing and laying out the trail system. IMBA is highly reputable and recognized among mountain bikers for creating high calibre trail systems. This portion of the project is for the assessment and planning portion of the the project.

The goal of this project was to purchase, renovate and develop the property of the former Beaver Museum, which was already housing the local Farmers? Market. The building is used as a permanent location for: the SEDA office; Tourist Info Centre; Farmers? Market; Community Boardroom; and one Rental Unit. Located adjacent to the Southbank ferry terminal, the 1.78 acre parcel of prime lakeshore property is now used for parking space, picnic tables and rest area and to offer gardens with local plants/flowers/berries and information about their edibility and use. NKDF is providing funding assistance for improvements to the property. The project was funded in partnership NKDFS, the Regional District of Bulkley Nechako, and Northern Development Initiative Trust.

North Pacific Music Festival Society is a newly society formed to house the Music & Friends festival. After successful festivals during each of the previous two years the Society members organized the one-day Music and Friends Festival 2006. The festival was successfully staged on July 22, 2006. The festival organizers are motivated to showcase the community as a summer tourism destination, and to grow the event year after year, bringing social, cultural and economic benefits to Kitamaat Village and area in the future. The event organization and implementation is done by volunteers, with a priority of contributing funds toward construction of Haisla Elder Care Facility.

The Village of Fraser Lake is planning a number of improvements to the local Recreation Facility. The NKDF assisted with funding for the engineering for the project. Some short-term benefits will result from the construction phase of the project, but the enduring benefits will be the quality of life in the community, helping to attract and retain people, and spin off when user groups are brought into the community for sporting events.

The goal of this project was to develop a comprehensive analysis of the cross-country ski opportunities in the Fraser Lake area. The feasibility study was created for the proponent, other trail user groups, various stakeholders, and potential partners in the Fraser Lake area. The Association members completed a thorough analysis to identify options, prior to deciding whether to proceed with development of a property. A cross-country ski facility would help to make the community more attractive to residents and visitors to the area. This project was funded in partnership by the NKDF and Casey Lake Cross-Country Ski Association.

The purpose of this project was to host a film festival during what is typically the non-tourist season for Vanderhoof, while showcasing the Nechako Valley recreational opportunities. After successfully showcasing films from the Toronto International Film Festival over a three-year period, The Sterling Sturgeon Film Festival was held over three days in February 2007. The economic benefits arise mainly from expenditures by visitors to the area and over the long term, and through the increased awareness of what Vanderhoof has to offer.

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 Village of Burns Lake will develop a community waterfront park to create a passive and active recreation and meeting area for residents and visitors. Proponent has chosen the 2.5 acre property currently known as Nourse Park for this project. The project is planned to include a bandstand and seating area, an open grassy area, greenery, pathways, historical statues/art, and general amenities such as newly constructed washroom facilities, an irrigation system, lighting and a concession stand. NKDF and the Village of Burns Lake will co-fund this first phase of the project, which includes the design, surveying and testing.

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.

This project first came to NKDFS in November 2005 and was approved for $3,360 to assist with the completion of the planning and assessment. That part of the project was completed in May 2006, with the help of the International Mountain Bicycling Assn. (IMBA). The proponent, Burns Lake Mountain Bike Association, was incorporated as a non-profit in August 2006. Through an impressive mix of funding, volunteer time, donated labour, equipment, materials and supplies, public recognition and political will, the stakeholders have now completed Phase I of the project. This approval is to assist with furthering the development of a world class standard mountain bike park in Burns Lake.

NKDF approved funding to assist with of the development of a business case for a marine ferry service between Kitamaat Village and a number of smaller, remote coastal communities. The funding is to help with determining feasibility for the project.

The Village of Fraser Lake is planning a number of improvements to the local Recreation Facility. The NKDF assisted with funding for the engineering for the project. Some short-term benefits will result from the construction phase of the project, but the enduring benefits will be the quality of life in the community, helping to attract and retain people, and spin off when user groups are brought into the community for sporting events.

The proponent first applied for assistance for upgrades to the Arena in October 2005 and was approved for $30,000 for improvements to the facility (including rubber flooring, install roofs, painting, light bulbs, furnace, and floor scrubber). The project was successfully completed. This component of the project is to complete energy saving upgrades oriented toward lowering the cost of maintaining the facility, including a refrigeration system, insulating gable ends, installing a new heating system and improving the water supply. The project will be funded in partnership by NKDFS, the Village of Burns Lake and the Regional District of Bulkley Nechako.

Lakes Economic Development Association is approved for funding assistance with this downtown Burns Lake revitalization project, comprised of creating and replacing the easterly and westerly ?Welcome to Burns Lake? community signs, as well as adding a 3rd entrance sign south to town.

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.

In partnership with the District of FSJ, the ski club created and will implement a 2007-2008 Redevelopment Plan. NKDF approved funding assistance for a well and water system, marketing, and purchase of a groomer and a radio system. The project is partnered by the District of Fort St. James, the Towns for Tomorrow Initiative, 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 Village of Burns Lake will develop a community waterfront park to create a passive and active recreation and meeting area for residents and visitors. Proponent has chosen the 2.5 acre property currently known as Nourse Park for this project. The project is planned to include a bandstand and seating area, an open grassy area, greenery, pathways, historical statues/art, and general amenities such as newly constructed washroom facilities, an irrigation system, lighting and a concession stand. NKDF and the Village of Burns Lake will co-fund this second phase of the project, which includes the Radley Beach Entrance Area and the Noarse Park and Shelter Entrance Area.

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.

The Village of Burns Lake will develop a community waterfront park to create a passive and active recreation and meeting area for residents and visitors. Proponent has chosen the 2.5 acre property currently known as Nourse Park for this project. The project is planned to include a bandstand and seating area, an open grassy area, greenery, pathways, historical statues/art, and general amenities such as newly constructed washroom facilities, an irrigation system, lighting and a concession stand. NKDF and the Village of Burns Lake will co-fund this portion of the project, which includes the Performance Shelter, and the Washroom/Concession.

Omenica Ski Club was founded in 1927 and has enjoyed growth and many successes leading up to today. The Jean Paulson Lodge was built in 2005, with a potential occupancy of 150. The Biathlon is the combination of ski and shooting skills. It is a sport growing in popularity, and one where the contestants must complete and demonstrate skills at both skiing and shooting. Omenica Ski Club is building on existing assets to construct a biathlon range to BC Biathlon standards, as well as purchasing the equipment needed for the Club to host regional competitions. This project is funded in partnership by NKDF, COMFOR and the Omenica Ski Club.

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.

Kitamaat Village Council will make improvements to the Recreation Centre, including replacement of the boiler, repairs to the kitchen, replacing the toilet, putting down new flooring in the main entrance, and enhancement of the main entrance. Built 35 years ago, the building is a main hub of activities in the Village, used as a gymnasium for the school, by the elders walking club, basketball tournaments, workshops, festival hall and other cultural gatherings such as Gathering of Nations, weddings, and community meetings. This retrofit will reduce fuel costs and conserve the amount of energy required to keep the building operational.

With this project, Kitamaat Village Council will make improvements to the soccer field, including refurbishing the changing room, replacing the existing wood fence, levelling the ground and installing new bleachers. The field is used for soccer, lacrosse, football, and track and field, as well as a number of celebratory events, including the Music and Friend Music Festival.

This proposal arises from a recently completed feasibility analysis that was completed to determine what improvements are needed to the Tom Forsyth Memorial Arena, and prioritize those improvements. The Arena caters to at least 15 user groups, is host to 14 winter tournaments and 3 summer events – each event attracts approximately 160 visitors to the community. NKDF approved funding to assist with improvements to the arena according to the priorities identified in the feasibility study.

UNWC is a registered Society whose members are lodges and resorts throughout the area south of Vanderhoof. UNWC members have joined forces for the purpose of marketing, promoting tourism and attracting investment. Last year, with funding assistance from RDBN and WED (CEDI), UNWC created a marketing strategy. NKDF approved funding to assist with making improvments to publicly ownered wilderness recreation infrastructure throughout the Upper Nechako region.

UNWC is a registered Society whose members are lodges and resorts throughout the area south of Vanderhoof. UNWC members have joined forces for the purpose of marketing, promoting tourism and attracting investment. Last year, with funding assistance from RDBN and WED (CEDI), UNWC created a marketing strategy. NKDF provided funding to assist the group with the installation of signage throughout the Upper Nechako region.