Nechako and Lakes Economic Development
JUN 27, 2012

At the May 29, 2012 meeting of the Nechako-Kitamaat Development Fund Society in the community of Smithers, the Board of Directors approved funding for six projects in the communities of Burns Lake, Grassy Plains, Fraser Lake and Vanderhoof. These approvals bring the fiscal year-to-date total funding from the NKDF to $321,314.

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The six (6) newly approved projects are:

• Colleymount Recreation Commission is approved for an amount of $40,000 to make improvements to the Trout Creek Community Hall.
• Village of Burns Lake will receive $100,000 to go toward the Downtown Revitalization Project.
• Grassy Plains Community Hall Association Society is given the nod for $34,443 for upgrades to the community hall in Grassy Plains.
• The Fraser Lake Saddle Club will receive $3,968 to go toward construction of an Agility Trail Park.
• The District of Vanderhoof is approved in the amount of $80,403 to upgrade the Vanderhoof Municipal Ice Arena.
• The Vanderhoof Curling Club has been approved to receive $62,500 to make improvements that make the curling rink usable to more groups and for more of the year.

NKDF Society Chair Rosanne Murray said, “We’re thrilled to invest in projects that will bring economic benefits to the Nechako and Lakes District communities.”

Nechako Lakes MLA John Rustad says, "For someone who knows small communities well, these types of projects are incredibly important. It's about bringing people together in a wide range of celebrations, activities, and social growth. This funding is about so much more than just moving dollars around; it's about building the heart of a community."

Reflecting on the work of the NKDF Society, Colleen Nyce, Manager of Corporate Affairs and Community Relations, Rio Tinto Alcan adds, “The quality projects chosen to receive funding from NKDF contribute solidly to the sustainability of the host communities. The opportunities made possible by the NKDF are a clear demonstration of the value of Rio Tinto Alcan’s commitment to the region as a founding partner of the NKDF.”

For those interested in applying to NKDF for funds, the next proposal deadline is August 10, 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.