JOEL MCKAY
DAWSON CREEK – Ten projects in northern BC communities are being supported by a $2.4-million investment through the Northern Healthy Communities Fund (NHCF). These include:
- a new Dze L K’ant Friendship Centre in Houston;
- the expansion of the Clearview Landfill near Fort St. James; and
- a Chronic Pain Network that will provide patient education in self-management as part of a larger program for chronic pain intervention for people in northern communities.
“Through investments in communities that are being impacted by rapid economic development, the NHCF is supporting people as they adjust to increased activity in the region,” said Joel McKay, CEO, Northern Development Initiative Trust. “Through the capacity-building stream, organizations are able to hire qualified professionals to address the unique needs their community faces in a personable and effective way. Northern Development is pleased to administer this fund on behalf of the Province of BC to benefit the people and organizations who call northern BC home.”
The NHCF supports initiatives that assist healthy, sustainable and resilient communities facing rapid and large-scale economic development and associated need for enhanced social service readiness.
“We are thankful for this funding support to replace the aging facility in Houston with a brand-new, purpose-built friendship centre,” said Annette Morgan, executive director, Dze L K’ant Friendship Centre Society. “The centre will better accommodate our critical programming needs, ensuring we can continue to expand our services and provide culturally relevant programs that are inclusive to all in the community.”
Since its beginning, the NHCF has supported 75 projects with a total of more than $11.9 million. Eligible local governments, First Nations and non-profit organizations in growing communities near the LNG Canada and Coastal GasLink projects can apply for project funding. The program is accepting applications for the next funding intakes. New projects will be announced quarterly until 2026.
Northern BC communities have also received support through the $1-billion Growing Communities Fund, which was provided to all 188 BC municipalities and regional districts to help address their unique infrastructure and amenities needs.
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