Projects Give Lakes District Economic Boost
SEP 27, 2012

At the September 11, 2012 meeting of the Nechako-Kitamaat Development Fund Society in the community of Kitamaat Village, the Board of Directors approved funding for three projects in the communities of Burns Lake and Southside. These additions bring the fiscal year-to-date total amount approved across the NKDF investment area to $471,314.

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The three (3) newly approved projects are:

• Burns Lake Medical Clinic Society is approved for an amount of $50,000 for capital purchases to go toward establishing a not-for-profit medical centre in the community of Burns Lake.
• Southside Economic Development Association is approved for an amount of $60,000 to go toward Takysie Lake Adventure Site & Nature Trail.
• Lake Babine Nation is approved for an amount of $40,000 to go toward upgrading the Margaret Patrick Memorial Centre.

NKDF Society Chair Rosanne Murray said, “Our Directors are thrilled to be able to help these projects begin generating benefits for the Lakes District communities.”

"These projects are incredibly important, and I'm very happy the Society has identified these areas of need. The projects will directly increase the quality of living for local residents." Said Nechako Lakes MLA John Rustad

Colleen Nyce, manager of Corporate Affairs and Community Relations, Rio Tinto Alcan said that the company is pleased that their agreement with the government of BC in 1997 created the NKDF which has and continues to be an important financial contributor to sustainable community projects in the region. 

For those interested in applying to NKDF for funds, the next proposal deadline is November 9, 2012.

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 Alcan. The Fund’s investment area includes lands impacted by the original Kemano project and focuses on those 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.