Projects Approved For Funding in Nechako and Lakes Regions
JUN 28, 2011

The Nechako-Kitamaat Development Fund Society Board of Directors has approved funding for projects in Burns Lake, Fraser Lake and Vanderhoof areas, bringing the total approved amount for this fiscal year to $75,090.

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The 7 approved projects are:

• $23,288 to Burns Lake Mountain Bike Association for construction of Stearns Creek Epic Trail.
• $9,507 to Nechako Valley Search & Rescue for construction of a mobile command centre.
• $12,660 to Regional District of Bulkley Nechako to go toward upgrading the Burns Lake Legion.
• $3,587 to Regional District of Bulkley Nechako to assist regional Farmer’s Markets by installing signage at visible locations.
• $2,000 to Stellat’en First Nation for year 2 of data collection for a wind energy evaluation.
• $17,698 to Stellat’en First Nation to implement a social enterprise cottage industry project at Stellat’en.
• $6,350 to Nechako Marketing Development Society to build capacity and develop a strategic plan.

NKDF Society Chair Rosanne Murray said, “It’s inspiring to see the variety of projects arising from the efforts of hard-working people in each community.”

"From aiding search and rescue teams to funding a new mountain bike trail, these dollars will improve the community of Burns Lake and the Nechako Lakes region in a variety of ways," says Nechako Lakes MLA John Rustad.

Colleen Nyce, Rio Tinto Alcan Manager of Corporate Affairs & Community Relations notes the diversity of the successful projects for the watershed region and offers “best wishes and congratulations to the proponents.” 

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 Alcan.  The Fund’s investment area includes lands impacted by the original Kemano project and focuses on those communities in the Nechako and Haisla regions of the north.

The Society encourages applications from local 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.