NKDF grants $100,129 for Five Projects in Fraser Lake, Southside, Burns Lake, and Vanderhoof
APR 8, 2019

April 8th, 2019 – At the March 20th, 2019 meeting of the Nechako-Kitamaat Development Fund Society Board, Directors approved $100,129 in funding for five projects.

The following grants were awarded to new projects:

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• $48,329 was granted to Autumn Services Society in Fraser Lake to go toward the expansion of the Autumn Services Drop-In Centre including; building a new full-service kitchen and full-service business center.
• Chinook Emergency Response Society was awarded $30,000 toward engaging a Project Lead to create a Community action plan with the goal of preparing Southside communities/residents for anticipated future wildfire events.
• Burns Lake and District Library was approved $4,200 in funding to go toward the purchase of new patron computers.
• Lakes District Family Enhancement Society was granted $15,000 for the Community Greenhouse & Kitchen Garden project. This funding will be used to construct a greenhouse with the goal of allowing School District 91 students to grow, manage, harvest, and preserve foods during the school year and make contributions to the Lakes District Food Bank.
• The District of Vanderhoof was awarded $2,600 for the OK Café Upgrades project. This funding will assist with upgrading the kitchen in the historical building.

“These projects will help strengthen community involvement and serve the diverse needs of people in Northern B.C.,” said Bruce Ralston, Minister of Jobs, Trade and Technology. “From building a greenhouse to grow local, healthy food to helping communities prepare for future wildfires – these projects contribute to sustainable, thriving communities, which are a key part of B.C.’s growing economy.”

“Rio Tinto BC Works recognizes the proposed projects as contributing factors to each community’s sustainability. The action plan on wild fire preparedness to community social needs all support the success of our neighbouring communities, which is important to Rio Tinto. We wish each of the recipients all the best with their projects and outcomes.” Andrew Czornohalan, Operation Director - Power & Services, Kitimat & Kemano, BC Works.

NKDF Chair Cindy Shelford says, “These projects are only made possible through the efforts of many contributing parties--volunteers, local governments, and funding partners. NKDF Directors are pleased to support community-led initiatives with economic outcomes and benefits that build strong, safe and resilient communities."

These new approvals bring the total Nechako-Kitamaat Development Fund Society grants awarded for the 2018-2019 funding cycle to $498,393. The Board has committed $500,000 of funds for the next funding cycle that runs April 1st, 2019 – March 31st, 2020. The next application deadline is July 30th, 2019. For more information please visit http://www.nkdf.org/

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 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.