At the December 8th, 2015 meeting of the Nechako-Kitamaat Development Fund Society Board, Directors approved $422,436.00 in funding for six new projects, bringing the year-to-date total amount approved across the NKDF investment area to $459,896.00.
The six projects are:
Village of Fraser Lake will receive $100,000.00 to relocate the Fraser Lake Museum and Visitor Information Centre to a new site along Highway 16, and to renovate the interior of the museum and update and repair exhibits.
District of Vanderhoof is awarded $100,000.00 to go towards architectural and construction drawings for the proposed Aquatic Centre.
Village of Burns Lake is approved for $100,000.00 to go towards replacing the current Ammonia Plant at the arena with a new Freon Plant.
Lakes District Airport Society is approved in the amount of $100,000.00 to assist with resurfacing the Baker Airport Runway.
Decker Lake Recreation commission is awarded $11,181.00 for the Decker Lake Hall Freshen and Finish project.
Rose Lake Community Club is approved for funding in the amount of $11,255.00 to go toward Renovations and Upgrades.
“The funding for these six projects demonstrates NKDF’s clear commitment to improving the quality of life for residents in the Nechako-Kitamaat area and creating sustainable neighbourhoods for B.C. families,” said Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour. “Investments in runway upgrades, museum renovations and community projects provide significant opportunities that contribute to the betterment of our communities by creating jobs and strengthening local economies.”
“Rio Tinto is proud of our contribution to the NKDF and the great projects that result from the fund. It is projects such as these that help our communities grow and become a place that professionals and skilled workers want to come to raise their families. These projects support a quality of life in our communities we have all come to enjoy.” Gaby Poirier, General Manager of Rio Tinto’s Aluminium group in BC.
NKDF Chair Wayne Salewski says, “These projects and grant approvals are the result of the efforts of many contributing parties, including local governments, volunteers, and funding partners. NKDF Directors are pleased to support projects that benefit the communities the benefiting area.”
“By upgrading airport runways and renovating recreational facilities, the NKDF is enhancing residents’ lives,” Nechako Lakes MLA John Rustad said.
The next proposal deadline is February 2th, 2016 and NKDF accepts requests under $5,000.00 at any time.
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.