Funding Approved for Community Projects
DEC 8, 2008

The Nechako-Kitamaat Development Fund Society Board of Directors has approved funding for projects in Vanderhoof and Southside, bringing the total approved amount for this fiscal to $613,490.

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The successful projects approved are:
 

• $50,000 for the District of Vanderhoof for improvements to the lighting and navigation for the Vanderhoof Airport, removing barriers to potential economic and tourism opportunities for the area
• $26,247 for Nechako Valley Community Services Society to assist with construction of a greenhouse which will provide flexible, supportive employment for persons with developmental delays and provide organically grown food for the community of Vanderhoof
• $44,600 for the Southside Health & Wellness Centre for the installation of an emergency backup generator that will provide an alternate source of power to assure continued medical service for residents of the Southside area during times of emergency
• $5,300 for the Southside Volunteer Fire Department Society to install a water line from Francois Lake to the Fire Hall in Grassy Plains

NKDF Society Chair Paul Stewart said, "We are encouraged to see people in our communities partnering to bring about improvements to their area, and NKDF is proud and fortunate to participate to make these projects a reality.”
 

“Nechako-Kitamaat Development Fund Society is a vital organization for the growth of our communities,” says Bulkley Valley-Stikine MLA Dennis MacKAY. “It is great to see them continue to invest in northern infrastructure projects and improve safety for our residents.” 
 

“Over the years, NKDF has funded numerous projects benefiting our communities,” says  Prince George-Omineca MLA John Rustad. “This investment will ensure the residents of Vanderhoof and the North will continue to develop and prosper.”

Rio Tinto Alcan’s Manager of Corporate Affairs & Community Relations, Colleen Nyce said “it is reassuring that the funds are being utilized in the region in a manner that is consistent with the original intent of the fund.”

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 Alcan Inc. 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.