Nechako-Kitamaat Development Fund Grants $158,094 for 6 New Projects In Haisla, Fraser Lake and Burns Lake
MAR 20, 2025
The Nechako-Kitamaat Development Fund Society Board of Directors has approved $158,094 in grant funding for six new projects in Haisla, Fraser Lake, and Burns Lake.
Haisla Nation received $50,000 to assist with purchasing an in-vessel composting unit. Organics collection will be processed in the community and the output will be used for the community gardens and producing fruits and vegetables for the Nation’s food share program.
Village of Burns Lake was granted $50,000 to go towards the installation of a solar energy system, consisting of 300 solar panels, on the roof of the Tom Forsyth Memorial Arena to offset the electrical demand of the facility.
Carrier Sekani Family Services (CSFS) received $25,000 to go towards purchasing furniture for the new Foundry Burns Lake. Foundry is a province-wide network of integrated health and wellness services for people ages 12-24. The integrated services make it possible for youth to access five core services in one location: physical and sexual health care, mental health care, substance use services, youth and family peer supports, and social services. As an Indigenous-led service agency, CSFS blends Carrier knowledge with leading western practices to create effective models of care.
Fraser Lake Fire Rescue Training Society was granted $18,347 to purchase a second Structure Protection Unit (SPU) trailer. The current SPU trailer is a provincial asset and deployed by BC Wildfire across the province. The majority of deployments have directly supported the Bulkley-Nechako during wildfire events. The new trailer will have additional storage capacity which will support both deployment and training activities.
"The Fraser Lake Fire Rescue Training Society is thrilled to partner with NKDF on this project," said Dave Christie, President of the society. "NKDF's values and our values align, protecting structures and people's livelihood from wildfires in the RDBN is critical to enhancing the region's economic development goals. We are thrilled to have NKDF's Board and staff standing with us as we move forward on this project."
Joe Pacheco, Fraser Lake's Fire Chief and Director of the society added, "This project will go a long way in protecting the livelihoods and residence of RDBN. The partnership between the society and NKDF is exciting, they are an amazing community supporter."
Eagle Creek Recreation Commission received $10,072 to replace the pit toilets at the Eagle Creek Fair Grounds. The Fair Grounds are home to the annual Lakes District Fair as well as numerous events throughout the year.
The following project was also approved by Directors in the Under $5,000 category:
Lakes District Fair Association received $4,675 to install electrical power in the sheep and swine barn which currently has none. This will allow for lighting and electrical outlets for fans during heat waves or when wildfire smoke is dense. The barn is used during the annul Fair as well as throughout the year by 4-H members.
Quotes
Diana Gibson, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation:
“These diverse projects that range from supporting preparations for wildfires, improving health and wellness services for young people and building economic resilience all help make life better for these communities. The Nechako-Kitamaat Development Fund Society is a respected partner in building a stronger future for the region and the people that live and work there.”
Claudine Gagnon, General Manager Communities & Social Performance, Atlantic Aluminium, for Rio Tinto:
"Rio Tinto is a proud partner of NKDF and supports the organization's ongoing efforts to foster sustainable community development. The funded projects announced today, focused on environmental stewardship, renewable energy, and infrastructure improvements, align with our shared commitment to long-term prosperity. Together, we are helping to strengthen communities where we operate, ensuring they remain resilient and able to thrive for generations to come.”
Cindy Shelford, Nechako-Kitamaat Development Fund Society Chair:
“Community is more important than ever and NKDF is proud to support these important projects that help generate self-reliance, sustainable energy, support our youth, and protect our resources.”
Fraser Lake Fire Rescue Training Society
Dave Christie, President
Joe Pacheo, Director & Village of Fraser Lake Fire Chief
"The Fraser Lake Fire Rescue Training Society is thrilled to partner with NKDF on this project," said Dave Christie, President of the society. "NKDF's values and our values align, protecting structures and people's livelihood from wildfires in the RDBN is critical to enhancing the region's economic development goals. We are thrilled to have NKDF's Board and staff standing with us as we move forward on this project."
Joe Pacheco, Fraser Lake's Fire Chief and Director of the society added, "This project will go a long way in protecting the livelihoods and residence of RDBN. The partnership between the society and NKDF is exciting, they are an amazing community supporter."
The upcoming grant application deadlines are March 31, 2025 and July 31, 2025. For more information, please visit http://www.nkdf.org/ For requests under $5,000 applications are accepted on a continuous basis.
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.
