This investment represents a total of 325 projects over the 17 years since its inception.
Five new projects were approved by Directors at the recent Board meeting held in Kitamaat Village. The grant recipients are as follows:
Stellat’en First Nation – Marianne Louis Memorial Hall Restoration $50,000.00
Restoring this smaller Hall will increase First Nation’s capacity to host fundraising events and rent out the Hall without displacing other activities and events.
Burns Lake Fire Training Society – Burns Lake Fire Training Facility $33,560.00
This funding will assist the Burns Lake Fire Training Society to construct Phase 1 of a three-unit burn building, which will offer training in forcible entry, confined space, blackout search, self-rescue, live fire training, and basic training skills. In rural communities, these volunteers provide a variety of services that would otherwise not be available.
Village of Fraser Lake – Mining Equipment Restoration $6,955.00
This funding will assist the Village with creating a highly visible tourist mining exhibit at the Museum and Visitor Centre in Fraser Lake. This project will increase tourism in Fraser Lake, and increase awareness of local history.
Southside Seniors Housing Society – Housing Architectural Fees $40,000.00
Southside Seniors Housing Society plans to build a 6-unit independent housing complex at Hospital Point in Southside to facilitate resident retention. This funding is for pre-development and design fees.
Colleymount Recreation Commission – Trout Creek Hall Update $10,590.00
This project will allow for updates to the hall that will increase the number and variety of events that can be hosted.
Bruce Ralston, Minister of Jobs, Trade and Technology says, “Over the years, the Nechako-Kitamaat Development Fund Society has supported community-led projects that create jobs, stimulate and diversify local economies. These five worthy projects mark the $10 million milestone since the society’s inception and will add to the quality of life for nearby communities and First Nations people.”
Gareth Manderson, general manager Rio Tinto BC Works says, “Rio Tinto is pleased with how NKDF funds have contributed to community growth and sustainability over the past 17 years. The $10 millionth grant dollar is truly an exciting milestone. BC Works recognizes each project contributing to this milestone, as positive and successful initiatives supporting our community partners.”
“The Nechako-Kitamaat Development Fund Board of Directors looks forward to celebrating the $10 million dollar milestone with our applicants. The broad range of applications underscores the important role NKDF plays throughout the region and we look to providing continued support into the future,” says Wayne Salewski, Nechako-Kitamaat Development Fund Society Chair.
The first NKDF project ever funded was on November 25, 1999. The Vanderhoof Chamber of Commerce was awarded $1,019.00 for a Proposal Writing Workshop that in return assisted many community groups in their applications to NKDF and other funding opportunities. This initiative is where the NKDF’s funding mission started, contributing to this significant funding milestone. NKDF will host a celebration event early in 2018 to recognize the $10 million grant dollar milestone.
The upcoming proposal deadlines are October 24th, 2017, and February 1st, 2018.
Dear Board, This is to congratulate the NKDF on reaching a milestone of $10 million in funding for social improvement in the Interior of BC. The NVSA has been fortunate, and grateful, to receive considerable...