MARGO WAGNER
PRINCE GEORGE – At its July 26 meeting, the Northern Development board of directors approved nearly $950,000 for valuable projects throughout Northern B.C.
“The Trust is pleased to be able to fund such a diverse section of projects that truly highlight the many programs we offer. Economic, recreation and cultural infrastructure, along with main street revitalization and others are all valuable and benefit different communities in different ways,” said Margo Wagner, Board Chair of Northern Development Initiative Trust.
$300,000 was approved for equipment storage expansion for the Prince George Airport Authority under the Economic Infrastructure program. The expanded equipment storage will ensure that there is space to properly store the new runway sweeper, which is an essential piece of equipment for airfield maintenance and airport safety. The project will expand the storage area to accommodate the new sweeper and all current equipment, allowing Prince George Airport to ensure the safety of all passengers flying in and out YXS. The completion of the project will provide sufficient space for equipment to be stored in covered, heated storage year-round, eliminating any need to store equipment outside in harsh conditions that may interfere with its operability.
$264,160 was approved for the City of Dawson Creek through the Cultural Infrastructure program to upgrade the entrance of the Dawson Creek Art Gallery. The Dawson Creek Art Gallery is housed in a renovated annex of a prairie elevator and is leased and operated by the South Peace Art Society. The current entrance does not meet minimum accessibility regulations and does not offer persons with disabilities an opportunity to enter the gallery without assistance from gallery staff. The project will remove barriers for persons with disabilities to utilize the facility and provide a safe, free environment that everyone can access regardless of their physical limitations.
“NDIT is amazing at helping communities achieve economic development, tourism initiatives and other goals. The Art Gallery Entrance Upgrade project will impact our residents and tourists alike, as it adds curb appeal, improves access and adds years to a historic building that stands at a central location and houses one of our key community organizations. Without NDIT’s support I’m not sure this project would come to completion, at least not without added pressure on our taxpayers and other strategic priorities. Thank you again for running such a great organization and helping bring this project to reality,” said Mayor Darcy Dober of the City of Dawson Creek.
$187,000 was approved through the Economic Infrastructure program for the Tl’esqox (Toosey) Band to upgrade the Toosey Old School Wood Products mill facility. This project allows for the Tl’esqox Band Chief, council and band members to upgrade and support their locally owned and operated sawmill. The intent of the upgrade is to allow the mill to thrive in the competitive business environment it currently operates in by giving it the ability to produce a wider variety of wood products at a lower production cost. Improvements to the mill include upgrading the current power supply from single phase to three-phase power, purchasing new machinery to produce specialty wood products such as tongue and groove flooring and installing a new kiln dryer.
“On behalf of Chief, Council and the Tl’esqox Natural Resource team, I would like to thank NDIT for selecting Tl’esqox for an approval of funds to upgrade our Toosey Old School Wood Products Facility Upgrade project. This contribution will allow our facility to grow in the changing forestry sector, by allowing us to focus on value added timber resources. We firmly believe that our renewable resources will provide the revenues for both social and economic benefits to our community for the long term,” said Jason Houde, Resource Manager of the Tl’esqox (Toosey) Band.
$130,530 was approved for the District of Kitimat under the Recreation Infrastructure program to upgrade the Radley Park Campground. After completing the addition of 11 new sites at the campground, the district is now looking to improve some of the older sites that have not been upgraded for 50-plus years. The improvement project includes upgrading electrical on six camp sites to 30 amp, replacing six picnic shelters with new metal framed shelters, re-grading of six camp sites, renovating and remodeling the camp registration office and adding a universal washroom and shower space. This project will allow the district to modernize the old camping sites, making the amenities operational for bookings and more attractive to potential campers.
“The District of Kitimat is thankful for the financial support of our municipal campground through this grant. Radley Park has been a staple of Kitimat’s tourism since 1965 and receiving these funds will help modernize much of this facility to make it one that is even more enjoyable and fully serviced for our residents and visitors,” said Mayor Phil Germuth of the District of Kitimat.
$65,891 was approved for the City of Dawson through the Main Street Revitalization Capital program for the lighting of city signs. The project includes installing solar lights on the existing pathway through N.A.R. Park, in front of the museum. Both the museum and tourist centre are located in the park, which is a historical location marked as Mile 0 of the Alaska Highway and is the central point in the city. The lighting of the N.A.R. Park pathways will enhance tourist attraction and draw residents and visitors alike to a central location for festivals, markets and events. In addition to enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the park, the safety of the walkway at night will be improved.
Business Examiner Submitted
