The Nechako-Kitamaat Development Fund Society Board of Directors has approved $156,136 for eight new projects.
Ride Burns Mountain Bike Association received $41,200 to build 5.9km of new downhill trail geared for novice riders. This new trail will open up the mountain to more riders and provide the infrastructure needed to expand the trails for winter fat-biking.
Stellat'en First Nation was granted $40,000 for phase 2 of the Marianne Louise Memorial Hall Restoration project. Affectionately known as the Old Hall, the facility provides an intimate and culturally appropriate gathering space for smaller groups.
Saik'uz First Nation received $30,000 toward the Community Sports Field Renewal for Youth Health and Wellness project. This funding will be used to develop a design package to guide and support the enhancement and upgrade of the Saik’uz ball diamond and surrounding sports field.
The Fraser Lake Men's Shed was awarded $13,000 for renovations, including accessibility upgrades, to the Men's Shed facility that includes a workshop and storefront for refurbished items. The Men's Shed provides a space for men of all ages who seek fellowship to gather with others.
The Lakes District Fair Association received $11,836 for the Fair Grounds Improvements project ahead of the upcoming 80th anniversary Fall Fair on September 11-13, 2026. Weekend events include a purebred livestock show, team roping, barrel racing, sheep dog trials, loggers sports, a music festival and children's festival.
In the NKDF Under $7,500 Grants Program three projects were approved for funding.
Chinook Emergency Response Society received $7,500 to purchase additional safety and firefighting equipment for the Emergency Response Trailers.
The Lakes District Fair Association received $7,500 for the Admin Capacity Support project to assist with the upcoming 80th Anniversary Fall Fair.
The Burns Lake Chamber of Commerce was granted $5,100 to support the Farmer's Market with the purchase of tables, tents and banners.
Quotes
Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth
“By supporting community infrastructure, recreation, and cultural spaces, we’re helping create the conditions for people and businesses to thrive. These local improvements align with the pillars of our Look West strategy to grow the economy throughout B.C. by supporting jobs, strengthening quality of life and sustainable growth across the region.”
Rod Holland, NKDF Chair
"We are delighted to support these strong community projects that provide recreational opportunities, support cultural spaces, and assist with emergency preparedness. It is gratifying to play a continued role in the development and enhancement of the region."
The next grant application deadline is July 31, 2026. For more information, please visit http://www.nkdf.org/ For grant requests under $7,500 NKDF accepts applications on a continuous in-take, with decisions made within two weeks.
For more information on past projects funded throughout the NKDF investment area please visit http://www.nkdf.org/projects or Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/NKDFS
The Nechako-Kitamaat Development Fund Society was jointly established in 1997 with a combined contribution of $15 million by the government of British Columbia and the former Alcan Inc., now Rio Tinto. The Fund’s investment area includes lands impacted by the original Kemano project and focuses on the communities in the Ootsa, Lakes, Nechako and Haisla regions of the north.
The Society encourages applications from local governments, local First Nations governments and legally incorporated non-profit organizations. NKDF invests in projects that create sustainable employment, diversify the economy, and improve the basic infrastructure needed for community stability, quality of life and growth.
Well, this success story throws back a little bit. We started planning for the expansion at the Burns Lake Public Library in the early 2000's. It was an ambitious project - double the size of the library!! The board...