NKDF grants $128,019.00 for New Projects in Vanderhoof and Burns Lake
OCT 12, 2016

At the September 7^th, 2016 meeting of the Nechako-Kitamaat Development Fund Society Board, Directors approved $128,019.00 in funding for six new projects.

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The six new projects are:

• Nechako Valley Sporting Association was granted $13,500.00 to assist with removing an old shed and replacing with a new structure containing an administrative office, technical room and covered storage shed.
• District of Vanderhoof is awarded $21,869.00 to go towards upgrading the Arena Concession.
• District of Vanderhoof was granted $28,650.00 for the building of two recreational fields including clubhouse, dugouts and picnic shelter.
• Lakes District Senior Housing Association was approved funding in the amount of $29,000.00 to assist with installing a fire suppression sprinkler system in Caroll Cottage retirement home.
• Burns Lake Band was awarded $30,000.00 to go toward the development of an Interpretive Centre that will include static displays show casing local First Nations Culture and highlight local artists.
• Lake Babine Nation was granted $5,000.00 to assist with the Tourism Development. With this funding Lake Babine Nation will conduct research and business planning toward developing tourism products.

Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour says, “This investment is great news for economic development in the region and addresses very specific needs for the communities of Vanderhoof and Burns Lake. The funding for these six new projects connects residents to economic opportunities, supports a skilled workforce and enriches our cultural heritage. By pairing these investments with our commitment to growing our economy through the BC Jobs Plan, we will continue to keep B.C. diverse, strong and growing.”

“Rio Tinto is very proud of its contribution to the Nechako Kitamaat Development so that the NKDF can support community organizations in Northwest BC. Establishing vibrant and sustainable communities is aligned with the Rio Tinto’s goals for the communities within its operating area. We look forward to supporting the building of stronger communities through the NKDF,” says Gareth Manderson, general manager Rio Tinto BC Works.

NKDF Chair Wayne Salewski says of the projects, “The Board of Directors is again pleased that we can support such diverse application from across the region.”

“Our communities will feel the positive impact of each of these grants as they help build up the quality of life, safety and economic success of our residents,” said John Rustad, MLA for Nechako Lakes. “I look forward to seeing the results of each grant recipient’s project as it is completed.”

The next proposal deadline is October 25th, 2016. For requests under $5000.00 NKDF accepts requests on an ongoing basis. For more information please visit http://www.nkdf.org/

For more information on past projects funded throughout the NKDF investment area please visit http://www.nkdf.org/projects or Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/NKDFS

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