Northern Development approves funding from its' Strategic Fund totalling $1.2569 million

Courtesy of Northern Development:

Northern Development today announced the approval of $855,559 for the City of Quesnel to advance its waterfront development project through the Trust’s Strategic Initiative Fund (SIF). 

This grant is the largest single investment Northern Development has made through the SIF program. The waterfront development project secures the enhancement of eight kilometers of riverfront, allowing for future economic opportunities such as boutique shopping, patio dining and river recreation. 

It will also feature the Lhtako Dene Cultural Centre and will improve on existing amenities such as the Riverfront Trail and Fraser River Footbridge. The project encompasses three key areas: Fraser River Footbridge landing renewal Plan for Indigenous interpretive elements along the riverfront trail Improved lighting along riverfront trail from the Fraser River Footbridge to the hospital 

The development of the waterfront ties into other City of Quesnel projects such as Alive After Five and the Hosting Precinct, both of which were supported through previous SIF grants. 

Additional Project Approvals: 

 $285,750 was approved for the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality for Gotta Go-Alaska Highway Rest Stop Washroom Facilities. This grant will allow the municipality to develop and manage multiple rest stop facilities along remote areas of the Alaska Highway through Northeast B.C. These facilities will include accessible washroom amenities, picnic benches, tourism informational kiosk, safety and emergency management signage and increased communication technologies. 

 $100,000 was approved for the City of Prince Rupert to implement the Northwest Food Systems Initiative pilot project, which will build local food access, literacy and security for social and economic resiliency in Prince Rupert and Northwest B.C. The Northwest Food Systems Initiative aims to mitigate the economic impacts of a changing economy by enhancing the local food production/distribution network in the region and increasing employment opportunities in the food production sector. 

 $15,535 was approved for the Village of McBride to complete a Robson Valley Agricultural Market Opportunities Analysis. The village, in partnership with Community Futures Fraser Fort George, will prepare a detailed agricultural development strategy that will help identify the following: New regional markets for export of Robson Valley agriculture producers Gaps and barriers in accessing those markets Future activities including marketing, training and skill development for Robson Valley producers.

 Northern Development Chief Executive Officer, Joel McKay said: 

 “The Quesnel waterfront project is a multi-pronged initiative that will transform the city’s historic waterfront into a destination, creating new opportunities for growth, job creation and revenue.” 

ABOUT THE STRATEGIC INITIATIVES FUND: 

The purpose of Strategic Initiatives Fund is to diversify and enhance the economies of central and northern B.C. communities, particularly those communities impacted by Mountain Pine Beetle. SIF is a flexible program that aims to capitalize on the unique opportunities and strengths that exist in these communities to invest in projects that strengthen innovation, partnerships, and diversification of economic activities. 

 SIF will be offered again in 2021 – submission deadline to be announced at a later date.