Nechako and Lakes Communities Benefit
SEP 7, 2011

At the 28 July, 2011 meeting of the Nechako-Kitamaat Development Fund Society that took place in the community of Grassy Plains, the Board of Directors approved funding for some very exciting projects in the communities of Burns Lake, Fraser Lake and Vanderhoof. These approvals bring the fiscal year to date total funding from the NKFS to $266,662.

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The eight (8) newly approved projects are:

• Decker Lake Recreation Commission is approved for $20,000 for Decker Lake Hall Renovations.
• Nee Tahi Buhn Indian Band will receive $12,000 to go toward the purchase of three greenhouses to be set-up at each of Nee Tahi Buhn Indian Band, Skin Tyee Nation, and Cheslatta Carrier Nation.
• Omineca Ski Club is approved in the amount of $15,442 to upgrade the Omineca Ski Lodge.
• The Regional District of Bulkley Nechako will get $9,900 to go toward building a regional image bank.
• Stellat’en First Nation is approved for $4,000 to go toward a Run-of-the-River pre-feasibility.
• Tweedsmuir Rod & Gun Club will receive $27,500 to make improvements to its rifle range and buildings.
• Vanderhoof Curling Club is approved in the amount of $56,000 to go toward upgrading its facility.
• Village of Burns Lake will receive $46,730 to increase local and tourist participation and the Spirit Square and John Forsyth Arena facilities.

NKDF Society Chair Rosanne Murray said, “Faced with an increasing number of applications, our Directors continue to make sound decisions to the benefit of all communities across the NKDF investment area.”

"From ski lodges to community halls, these facilities are used frequently by residents and tourists and I'm happy to see they are receiving funding for upgrades they require and deserve," says Nechako Lakes MLA John Rustad.

Colleen Nyce, Rio Tinto Alcan Manager of Corporate Affairs & Community Relations, is thrilled to see the range of successful proposals. “It’s great to see the region’s First Nations participate in successful proposals to the NKDF and share in the fund that was set up to assist communities impacted by the original Alcan project. All of the approved projects, from all of the communities, are outstanding and will go a long way to assisting with economic diversification and community growth”. 

For those interested in applying to NKDF for funds, the next proposal deadline is September 29, 2011.
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 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.