Joel McKay
PRINCE GEORGE – Northern Development officially launched Trust 2020, introducing a new suite of Community Development programs alongside a new website and online application system.
For the past two years, Northern Development staff have been working diligently to modernize its approach to community development, which alongside business development and capacity building, is one of the Trust’s key pillars. During the summer of 2019, staff engaged with local governments, First Nations bands, not-for-profit groups and economic development organizations throughout the region to gather feedback on funding areas to meet the current and future needs of their communities.
“Trust 2020 is not only the introduction of new community development programs, updated technology and a refreshed brand, it is also represents our continued commitment to the people and communities of northern and central BC Northern Development is dedicated to the economic growth of our service region now, and well into the future,” said Joel McKay, CEO of Northern Development Initiative Trust.
“The board is very pleased with the introduction of all facets of Trust 2020, in particular the new community development programs. These programs truly represent the vision and ideas of the people and communities in our service region and I am excited to see what projects are on the horizon,” said Margo Wagner, Board Chair of Northern Development Initiative Trust.
The new programs are as follows:
Main Street Revitalization Planning
Main Street Revitalization Capital
**Program details are provided in above links
These six new programs replace the Community Halls and Recreation Facilities and the Economic Diversification Infrastructure programs. However, projects that were previously funded under those two programs will still be eligible under the new programs.
In addition, the Trust has expanded its eligibility criteria to include such projects as playgrounds, dog parks, libraries, public washrooms and main street beautification.
The improvements also introduce fresh branding for Northern Development, which is evident in the new website, as well as a new online application system that allows for increased efficiency and ease when applying.
Currently two programs – Grant Writing Support and Business Façade Improvement – are available to apply for online. The remaining programs will be added through 2021 and 2022.
