Showing posts with label Northern Development Initiative Trust. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Northern Development Initiative Trust. Show all posts

Thursday, June 2, 2022

NDIT May 2022 Newsletter

Northern Development Initiative Trust has released its' May 2022 Newsletter.  In the newsletter:

* Memorial Garden in Lillooet
* Williams Lake First Nation sets sights on the skies with the Osprey Nest
* NDIT Travels across its' Region to discuss transportation

View the newsletter here

~SF

Thursday, May 12, 2022

NDIT Announces $1.3 Million in Grant Funding for 6 Ec Dev Projects

Courtesy of Northern Development Initiative Trust:

Northern Development’s board of directors announced today that it has approved funding for six valuable projects in central and northern B.C.

$300,000 was approved under the Economic Infrastructure program for the Kitasoo Band Store construction and expansion in Klemtu. The current band store and cafe was built in 1985 and has served beyond its operating life. The new store will increase in size from the current 5,500 square feet to 8,000 square feet and will include a community cafe/restaurant and a new retail space. Replacing and expanding the store will allow for a greater selection of goods for the local community and will increase the volume of product and profit potential of the store.

$300,000 was approved under the Economic Infrastructure program for the construction of the Osprey Nest building in Williams Lake First Nation (WLFN). The Osprey Nest will be a newly constructed mixed-use building that will complement the other amenities on WLFN. The facility will consist of a two-story building with approximately 4,000 square feet of usable interior space. The main floor is designed to host a restaurant/cafĂ© and includes an interior mezzanine that will provide private space for meetings and small gatherings. There is a lakefront exterior patio and a 300 square foot rooftop patio on the first floor. These patios will feature gas heaters, making them usable from the spring through to the late fall. The second story will consist of four separate self-contained loft guest rooms. The lofts will provide capacity for short-medium term stays for a variety of visiting professionals, contractors and consultants engaged in business with the Williams Lake First Nation.

$200,000 was approved under the Main Street Revitalization – Capital program for the 10th Street Revitalization project in the District of Houston. As part of the district’s intention to rejuvenate its downtown, a portion of 10th Street that extends from Poulton Avenue to Butler Avenue will be upgraded. This work will include the removal of existing sidewalk and light posts, the installation of two decorative, pedestrian crosswalks, accessible 6.1-metre-wide sidewalks, 90 square metres of stained concrete walk, three new luminaire poles and lighting for the two crosswalks.  Additionally, five new street trees along with various street furnishings, planters and wayfinding signage will be included in the project.

$200,000 was approved under the Main Street Revitalization – Capital program for the Chetwynd Downtown Revitalization project. The District of Chetwynd is undertaking a downtown revitalization project that aims to complete key initiatives identified in its 2021 Downtown Revitalization Plan. This project includes a number of enhancements such as upgrades to sidewalks and crosswalks, the creation of bike lanes and active transportation amenities, improved and expanded use of street furniture and new LED lighting throughout.

$199,269 was approved under the Main Street Revitalization – Capital programfor the Village of McBride Main Street lighting upgrades project. This initiative includes include the purchase and installation of 30 new ornamental streetlights to be installed along the length of Main Street from the historic McBride Train Station to the Welcome Arch at Highway 16. The project will create temporary jobs in the community, reduce the commercial vacancy rate on Main Street, expand community festivals and events, increase the downtown property values and expand economic development along McBride’s commercial corridor. Additionally, the revitalization will bolster community pride, improve Main Street’s walkability and McBride’s livability.

$160,600 was approved under the Recreation Infrastructure program for the Pine Valley Exhibition Park revitalization in Chetwynd. The existing rodeo arena is 30 years old and it is no longer feasible to update and maintain the current amenities. Due to the deteriorating state of the grounds, the Pine Valley Exhibition Park Society is undertaking a significant renewal of the site with plans to reinvigorate and grow the user base. The existing outdoor arena will be restored with upgraded riding surfaces, fencing and all necessary panels, gates and accessories to host rodeo events. Once compete, the new rodeo arena will provide a safe, effective tourism and program development facility.

Wednesday, April 6, 2022

2021 State of the North Economic Report released

Courtesy of Northern Development Initiative Trust:

Northern Development today released the 2021 State of the North Economic Report which highlights the economy in year two of the pandemic and how our key industries fared. 

While the State of the North is normally released in January, it was delayed this year in order to include data released through the Canadian 2021 census. 

 The report, which was independently researched by MNP, reveals that while the economy in Northern B.C. remains relatively strong, our region has been left with a massive labour shortage. Compared with 2019, third quarter stats from 2021 show a 75 per cent increase in job vacancies. The forestry sector was supported by high prices in the first half of 2021; however, prices fell significantly in the second half.

Major projects in the Northeast and Northwest regions will continue to support the economy and re-opening of borders should give the tourism industry a lift. As of November 2021, overall employment in the Cariboo and Northwest are up year-over-year but remain below 2019 levels, while in the Northeast employment has declined year-over-year. 

 “This year’s State of the North contains good news, bad news and a lot of uncertainty,” said CEO of Northern Development, Joel McKay. “Our region is faced with labour shortages, slow population growth and a myriad of other risks from floods, fires and a war in Eastern Europe. However, major project constructions along with strong commodity prices will likely continue to support various industry sectors for the next few years.”

The report can be accessed here

Wednesday, March 2, 2022

Northern Development February 2022 updates

Northern Development Initiative Trust has released a couple of updates:

1) February 2022 Newsletter -- click here

2) Announcement of $2.3 million approved funding across the Northern Development Region -- click here

SF

Thursday, September 2, 2021

NDIT August 2021 Newsletter

 NDIT or Northern Development has released its' August 2021 Newsletter.  In the newsletter:

* Hosting interns helps Houston 

* 6ix Sigma sees success with SBR Consulting Rebate 

* Saulteau First Nations warmly welcomes interns 

* Grant writer bolsters community 

* Northern Development grant program supports economic development initiatives 

Northern Development CEO recognized as one of B.C.’s top business leaders 

New Love Northern BC signs are going up across the region including in Williams Lake

Read the newsletter here


Wednesday, June 30, 2021

Northern Development's June 2021 Newsletter

In this month's newsletter from Northern Development:

* New lifts make B.C.’s northernmost swimming pool accessible to all 
* Century-old McBride building to receive accessibility and efficiency upgrades 
* Atlin Recreation Centre adds accessibility features 

* Northern Development accepting Fabulous Festivals and Events applications starting July 12 
* $50,000 in e-gift cards sold to Northern B.C. businesses during pandemic

Click here for the newsletter 

SF

Monday, May 31, 2021

NDIT May 2021 Newsletter

NDIT's May Newsletter is live! 

 In this issue: 

 - Small Business Recovery Consulting Rebate leads to big results for agri-tourism business (Woodhouse Cottages and Ranch) 

- Community Campsite benefits community well-being and economy ( District of Mackenzie Love Mackenzie) 

- 2021 Internship orientation paves way to professional careers - Meet the Trust's new photo ambassadors! 

- Strategic Initiatives Fund - Program Engagement Sessions