NKDF grants $229,581 for Eleven Projects in Fraser Lake, Burns Lake, and Vanderhoof
JUN 18, 2019

At the May 29th, 2019 meeting of the Nechako-Kitamaat Development Fund Society Board, Directors approved $229,581 in funding for eight projects.

The following grants were awarded to new projects:

 

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• $40,000 was granted to Stellat’en First Nation for trail development. This project will develop 3,000m of single-track nature trails suitable for hiking, trail running and cycling.
• The Fraser Lake Fire Rescue Society was awarded $72,668 toward the installation of a live burn building at the Regional Training Centre. This facility will be used to train firefighters and industry first responders from rural northern BC communities.
• The Village of Fraser Lake was approved $18,000 in funding to go toward softball field rehabilitation.
• The Village of Fraser Lake was granted $2,599 to assist with the installation of a chain link fence at the waste water dump station to facilitate an expansion of services.
• $9,836 was awarded to the Village of Fraser Lake for the Recreation Complex solar energy project.
• The Lakes District Film Society was granted $40,000 to go toward structural repairs for the Beacon Theatre.
• The Lakes District Fair Association was awarded $22,763 to assist with the Pump House/Concession Rebuild project.
• An amount of $20,000 was approved for the District of Vanderhoof to go toward the Friendship Centre Kitchen upgrade project.

Three additional projects were approved in the under $5,000 application category as follows:

• The Vanderhoof Farmers' Market was awarded $1,300 to go towards the Farmer’s Market Summer Festival Series.
• An amount of $1,725 was approved for the Village of Fraser Lake to assist with the boat launch parking rehabilitation project.
• The Village of Fraser Lake was granted $690 toward the arena lighting project.

Bruce Ralston, Minister of Jobs, Trade and Technology says, “The projects being funded through the NKDF will help create jobs, strengthen local economies, and bring communities together. Whether it’s through park and theatre improvements, or improving the training centre for first responders – these grants continue to make life better for people in northwest B.C.”

“Rio Tinto recognizes the good work community organizations are doing for their communities. The diversity of the projects being funded is an example of the individual unique needs of our neighbouring communities. Developing and enhancing infrastructures such as trails, theatres, community centres and regional training facilities supports community economic growth through tourism, attraction and retention of professionals needed in their communities, and delivers a healthy way of life for local residents.” Andrew Czornohalan, Operations Director, Power & Services Rio Tinto Kitimat BC Works

NKDF Chair Cindy Shelford says, “These projects will expand the economic and employment opportunities in the region and promote community well-being and generate local spending. Our communities will see many benefits from these projects, not only for their quality of life but also for attracting tourists and business to the region.”

These new approvals bring the total Nechako-Kitamaat Development Fund Society grants awarded for the 2018-2019 funding cycle to $229,581. The Board has committed $500,000 of funds for the next funding cycle that runs April 1st, 2019 – March 31st, 2020. An amount has been set aside to be granted specifically toward projects that are regional in nature. These projects must involve collaborations between two or more organizations and benefit two or more communities within the investment area. For more information please call or visit the NKDF website.

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.