The Nechako-Kitamaat Development Fund Society Board of Directors has approved $151,233 for six projects to kickstart the new funding cycle.
Stellat’en First Nation was granted $43,903 for the Marianne Louise Memorial Hall Rehabilitation project. Affectionately known as the Old Hall, the facility provides an intimate and culturally appropriate gathering space for smaller groups. The funding will be used to rehabilitate the exterior and interior logs to maintain the integrity of the hall.
Omineca Ski Club received $31,080 to build a new wax cabin and rental shop. The Omineca Ski Club, founded in 1927, is the oldest cross-country ski club in BC. This grant will assist with constructing a new 1200 square foot cabin with an area for ski rentals, storage, ski wax tables and a lounge.
The Nechako Healthy Community Alliance was granted $27,500 towards establishing the Fraser Lake Elementary and Secondary School farm. The farm is a collaborative food security/sovereignty initiative that will provide the necessary environment, and infrastructure to promote food production, food literacy, and intergenerational knowledge transfer.
Lakes District Senior Citizen Housing Association (LDSCHA) received $25,000 for the Senior Housing Development Initiative project. To address the shortage of affordable Seniors Housing in Burns Lake, LDSCHA is in the initial planning stage of a proposed new seniors housing development. This grant will be used to develop necessary planning documents.
The Village of Fraser Lake received $18,750 to go towards new welcome signage at both Highway 16 entrances to Fraser Lake. The new signs will be pieces of public art and incorporate Dakelh language.
Rivershed Society of BC received $5,000 to assist with hosting a Watershed Workforce event in Vanderhoof August 9 and 10. Youth from Nadleh Whut’en and Saik'uz First Nation will participate in a paddle at Riverside Park with the overall goal of inspiring youth to contribute to a healthier watershed.
Diana Gibson, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation
“Investing in local infrastructure is key to creating healthy communities and strong local economies. These projects help preserve and strengthen community spaces, promote healthy living, enhance food security, and support youth and seniors - important investments to support sustainable growth throughout the region.”
Tayna Thorpe, Manager for Communities & Social Performance for Rio Tinto BC Works
“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 focus on reviving aging infrastructure, food security, seniors housing, tourism and education. Together, we are finding better ways to strengthen communities where we operate, ensuring they remain resilient for generations to come.”
Cindy Shelford, NKDF Chair
“NKDF is proud to support diverse projects that reflect the values of our communities. From strengthening infrastructure to supporting our seniors, these 6 projects highlight the hard work volunteers are doing to create vibrant, thriving communities.”
The next grant application deadlines is July 31, 2025. For more information, please visit http://www.nkdf.org/ For requests under $7,500 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.
To the Board Members of the Nechako Kitamaat Development Fund Society, On behalf of the Burns Lake Mountain Biking Association (BLMBA) it is an honour to have this opportunity to try to articulate adequately what...