Kitamaat and Nechako Community Projects Approved for Funding
AUG 19, 2009

The Nechako-Kitamaat Development Fund Society Board of Directors has approved funding for projects in Kitamaat Village, Burns Lake, Fort Fraser and Vanderhoof, bringing the total approved amount for this fiscal year to $495,796.

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The successful projects approved are:
 

• $100,000 approved for Kitamaat Village Council to upgrade the Haisla Recreation Centre. The building is a central hub of activities in the Village, used as a gymnasium for the school, by the elders walking club, basketball tournaments, workshops, fest hall, as well as many cultural gatherings.
• $80,000 approved for Kitamaat Village Council to make improvements to the soccer field, including refurbishing the changing room, replacing the existing wood fence, levelling the ground and installing new bleachers.
• $79,876 approved for Kitamaat Village Council for paving and landscaping to enhance the recently constructed Haisla administration building.
• $43,926 approved for the Regional District of Bulkley Nechako to make improvements to the Tom Forsythe Arena. The arena is central to a number of sports activities in the Lakes District.
• $9,789 approved for Nadleh Whut'en First Nation to train 6 Aboriginal youth to produce a Nadleh cultural documentary film.
• $7,802 approved for the Upper Nechako Wilderness Council to go toward installing a number of signs throughout the upper Nechako area.
• $30,000 approved for the Upper Nechako Wilderness Council to go toward materials costs for a number of recreation upgrades to the upper Nechako area.

NKDF Society Chair Paul Stewart said, "As we have expected, there is a high demand for NKDF funds and we are fortunate to be able to assist with a range of projects across the region.”

“Our region has been challenged by the economic downturn, but we are working hard at putting strategies in place that are greatly assisted by the NKDF funds to help our towns, villages, and First Nations with a scope of positive opportunities,” said Nechako Lakes MLA John Rustad.

“This announcement today highlights our on-going commitment to economic diversification, environmental and social sustainability of the communities located within our operating region.  We are proud to support the communities and First Nations in our operating area to help them create and advance these important community projects,” said, Rio Tinto Alcan’s Manager of Corporate Affairs & Community Relations, Colleen Nyce.

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.