MARCH 11 MOVERS & SHAKERS – BUSINESS EXAMINER NORTHERN BC

March 11, 2024

PRINCE GEORGE – Breakthrough, a WW2 film set in 1940’s France is being filmed just outside of Prince George. The northern BC wilderness will become the Ardennes Forest in the Battle of the Bulge in the film.

The Carrier Sekani Family Services Centre in Prince George is currently constructing a bespoke firepump station and water treatment facility.

Sequoia Environmental Remediation participated in the North Works job fair in Prince George, which was hosted by the University of Northern British Columbia and the College of New Caledonia. Candidates interested in gaining practical experience in insitu site remediation and field engineering projects are being actively recruited for positions in central British Columbia by Sequoia.

Cathy Mackay, EDI Environmental Dynamics Inc.‘s current Chief Operating Officer (COO), has been recognized as one of Business in Vancouver’s (BIV) Influential Women in Business award winners.

A new foundry center was unveiled to assist the youth of Vanderhoof. It has intentions to enhance youth services along Highway 16 and provide satellite services to the First Nations of Nadleh Whut’en, Stellat’en, and Saik’uz.

Thirty year veteran, Ringette Coach Keith Sullivan, was presented with the President’s Award by BC Minister of Sport Lana Popham at the Sport BC Athlete of the Year Awards held recently

Rio Tinto has expressed their dedication to collaborating with the Saik’uz and Stellat’en First Nations after a recent BC Supreme Court appeal ruling concerning the two groups’ aboriginal fishing rights in the Nechako River watershed.

Cineplex Inc. announced that it has closed its previously announced private placement offering of $575 million aggregate principal amount of 7.625 per cent senior secured notes due March 31, 2029, as well as the other aspects of its comprehensive refinancing originally announced on February 8, 2024.

Clarence Boudreau

The Prince George Public Library‘s main branch hosted a ceremony recently where Clarence Boudreau, who has worked tirelessly to preserve and promote local history, was presented with the Jeanne Clarke Service Award 2024.

The Umo electronic bus fare collection system, developed by BC Transit, will be implemented in Prince George this spring. To enhance customer convenience and fare product availability, Umo will offer rolling 30-day passes instead of monthly passes that start on the first and expire on the last.

The Simpcw First Nation (Simpcw) and the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) recently celebrated the grand opening of their family-focused services office in downtown Prince George.

The UNBC Prince George campus launched the Magnifying Black Voices (MBV) Bursary and Mentorship Program to promote Black students, faculty and staff. The program, in collaboration with the Black Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub and funded by UNBC’s Ignite and Inspire Investment Fund, provides $1,000 bursaries for 12 students for the 2024-2025 academic year and mentorship from experienced faculty, staff, and graduate students.

Tourism Prince George serves as a sponsor of the 2024 Nordic World Cup Finals and Para Biathlon World Championships, which commenced at Caledonia Nordic Ski Club on March 5 and conclude on March 17.

Tourism Prince George will receive $20,000.00 from the 2023 Spruce Credit Union Legacy Fund Grant, which was awarded by the Prince George Community Foundation and Interior Savings.

The Launch Party for the Northern BC Women in Business Association is scheduled for April 17th, 2024, at the Northern Lights Estate Winery located in Prince George..

BC Hydro and the province are currently discussing with Fortescue on a $2 billion green hydrogen facility planned for PG. It is anticipated that construction of the plant will generate more than one hundred permanent employment positions.

Qualified First Nations individuals are highly urged to apply for the position of Director at Large Board member being advertised by the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA). Each Director receives an honorarium.

Wellness North & Business Expo is coming to the Prince George Civic Centre on March 23rd, 2024, from 10 am to 4 pm.

The spring intake for the myPG Community Grant is open for applications until March 15 at 4:30 p.m. Applications are evaluated based on eligibility and alignment with the following grant criteria: Increasing community pride; Encouraging health and wellness; Encouraging involvement in arts and culture; Providing social connections for residents and Ensuring equity and inclusion.Find out how to apply: www.princegeorge.ca/grants

 

PRINCE RUPERT

Austin Eriaye has been appointed as the Director of the Prince Rupert and District Chamber of Commerce.

The Prince Rupert and District Chamber of Commerce will be holding its Annual General Meeting on March 13th  at Arabisk Mediterranean Cuisine, 2209 Seal Cove Rd., Prince Rupert. Arabisk Mediterranean Cuisine will also be hosting an all day open buffet March 16th.Advance booking is recommended to avail 5 percent discount.

A federal investment of $77.2 million via the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund (DMAF) is facilitating essential enhancements to the aging water distribution system and sewer line in the port city of Prince Rupert. Federal funds will modernize the City’s water and wastewater systems to reduce natural disaster damage. It would also secure the water supply and sewer pipe systems to protect community residents’ livelihoods, key services, and local businesses and minimize interruptions to global trade and supply chains through the Port of Prince Rupert.

 

FORT ST JOHN 

Jim Lequiere and Sarah MacDougall, both councillors from Fort St. John, were designated as liaisons to the Youth Advisory Council.

The City of Fort St. John is currently accepting tender submissions for City of Fort St. John – 2024 Capital Roadworks – 89 Avenue Phases 2 & 3. Tenders will be received no later than  March 20, 2024 through the tendering website at: https://urbansystems.bidsandtenders.ca./.

Studio 105, a local hair salon at 10712 101 Avenue, is teaming up with Fort St. John Salvation Army for the eighth annual Cuts for Cans event. On March 9th, you can get a free haircut by donating a non-perishable food item.

Businesses in Fort St. John can now apply for the 2024 intake of the Business Façade Improvement Program. The Mayor’s Standing Committee on Community Economic Development and the Northern Development Initiative Trust fund this program to improve commercial and building aesthetics by renovating or adding signage to local businesses.

The City of Fort St. John launched the Event or Conference Sponsorship Grant, which provides up to $3,000 for community group or organization conferences or events. The grant promotes communal pride, economic development, and cultural and educational projects.

Moose FM/Energeticcity.ca in Fort St. John is seeking a new team member to serve as an Account Executive and assist clients in achieving their marketing objectives through radio and digital products.

Council approved Knappett Industries‘ bid for the 100th Street corridor redevelopment project’s fifth phase during their meeting on February 26. The project’s scope includes paving the section between 103rd and 106th avenues and upgrading subterranean utilities.

Kathairos Solutions, headquartered in Calgary, has entered into a collaborative agreement with  Úújǫ Developments, the economic branch of Doig River First Nation (DRFN), with the objective of devising environmentally sustainable strategies to mitigate methane emissions.

The zoning bylaw for the Crosstown Apartment building at 9304 99th Avenue and the Métis Nation British Columbia government office, also known as the Métis House, at 9404 99th Avenue have been approved by the City of Fort St. John. This will allow the Métis Provincial Council of BC to set up a daycare and modify the zoning areas for these properties.

 

KITIMAT

The introduction of a national pharmacy plan, spearheaded by NDP MP Taylor Bachrach for Skeena-Bulkley Valley, brought the proposal one step closer to implementation in Canada recently when it was introduced in parliament.

The 2024 Minerals North Conference in Kitimat, scheduled for May 8–10, has sold out its trade show and will feature keynote speakers Vaughn Palmer, Vancouver Sun legislative columnist, and Keith Baldrey, Global BC chief political correspondent and legislature bureau chief.

The initial stage of the LNG Canada liquified natural gas export facility is close to being completed in Kitimat, on the Haisla Nation territory. The project has allocated more than $4.7 billion in contracts and subcontracts to local, Indigenous, and other B.C. businesses, with over $3.8 billion going to Indigenous-owned businesses. HaiSea Marine, a collaboration between the Haisla Nation and Seaspan from North Vancouver, is set to offer LNG Canada harbour and escort tugboat services using their environmentally friendly, battery-powered vessels for $500 million.

 

TERRACE

The new commercial vehicle inspection station in Thornhill is set to open early spring. The station will house five short term truck stalls and 10 overnight stalls with services such as refrigeration unit plug-ins, Wi-Fi and CCTV. Urban Systems Ltd., won the transportation ministry’s specialized engineering services award for its work on the project. IDL Projects Ltd. was tasked with the construction contract.

Kitselas First Nation Chief Glenn Bennett and the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, recently signed a Consultation Protocol. This protocol lays out a transparent and efficient procedure that Canada must adhere to whenever it considers actions that could affect the Indigenous rights of Kitselas First Nation.

Northwest BC Resource Benefits Alliance‘s 21 local governments received $250 million over five years from the provincial government. The funding will help in the planning and construction of municipal infrastructure like roads, water, sewer, and other community facilities essential for developing livable communities.

Forms for reserving sports fields are available for submission to the Parks, Recreation & Culture Department at the Sportsplex in person or via mail from March 1 to March 31. Alternatively, they can be sent via email to kdediluke@terrace.ca.

 

WILLIAMS LAKE

Eva Navrot

Eva Navrot has recently been appointed a Regional Mentor for the Cariboo and Chilcotin Community Response Networks in BC.

Harinder Singh is starting a new position as Customer Service Supervisor at Hamilton Hotel, in Williams Lake.

The Neighborhood Ice Cream Shop owner, John Bennetts, has claimed a jackpot of $274,000 from the Lotto Max.

Williams Lake First Nation is pioneering affordable, energy-efficient houses for their residents. The First Nation’s funding helps tenants afford the duplex’s rent, and solar panels have reduced electricity costs, making Sugarcane House cost-effective, energy-efficient homes for their community members.

 T.M.B. The Nurse’s Edge has opened at 199B 3rd Ave. N., Williams Lake.

 

 

SMITHERS

A resolution to rezone three properties located along Alfred Avenue in Smithers was reached during the Town Council meeting. BC Housing will then proceed with the submission of a building plan and design to the municipality for approval.

To offset the expense of electricity and to provide for future charging unit maintenance and replacement, a $2 charging charge was implemented at the Second Avenue charging station in Smithers.

In partnership with the Prince Rupert Port Authority’s (PRPA) Community Investment Fund, the Smithers Golf and Country Club has completed work to enhance the cart paths and ensure the walkways are open and safe during the winter. The club also put up fencing and other barriers to ensure the rest of the golf course is protected during winter, and installed lighting enhancements for all 18 holes. The golf course trails are used daily by community members for walking, snowshoeing, and tobogganing, and these improvements will see a broader use locally, regionally, and for visitors alike.

 

QUESNEL

College of New Caledonia Quesnel is preparing up to welcome students back into high-demand programs in modernized facilities, where they will benefit from power engineering 4th class and apprentice welding programs in 2024.

Spotless Canada, a laundry and dry cleaning company Located in Prince George, is opening a new location in Quesnel.

Way of the First Martial Arts Academy is opening soon.

DVP Pain Relief Clinic now has 2 Red/Infrared Light Therapy rooms.

 

100 MILE HOUSE

Jeff Morrison has joined Peerless as the new Sales Representative for Northern British Columbia. Morrison will be responsible for the province north of 100 Mile House.

7-Eleven, located at Cariboo Hwy, 100 Mile House, announced the recruitment of candidates for  Food Service Workers.

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