April 2016 - Newsletter

In this issue

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Northern Development has approved more than $800,000 in funding to support tourism projects across the region, just in time for what’s expected to be a strong year for visitors to B.C. The combination of favourable exchange rates and lower fuel prices are expected to create positive conditions for Northern B.C. tourism.

“Tourism continues to strengthen and diversify our region’s economy and play a crucial role in building capacity in our communities. These projects will showcase the world-class tourism assets we have right here in central and northern B.C. – encouraging residents to take more staycations and visitors to come and enjoy our region’s first-rate hospitality.” Evan Saugstad, Board Chair, Northern Development.

The following projects received funding from the Trust at the last meeting of its board of directors.

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Fraser Lake Museum, Fraser Lake

“The visitor centre and museum upgrades are a major project for our community, ensuring these buildings are more prominent for visitors passing through the community and also adding space and attractions that will encourage them to stop and enjoy all that Fraser Lake has to offer. Thank you to Northern Development for making this investment in our community,” Dwayne Lindstrom, Mayor, Village of Fraser Lake

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Mile 0 Park, Dawson Creek

“The planned improvements to the Mile 0 Park thanks to funding from Northern Development will enhance the visitors’ experience  and the accessible campsites that will be built are a much needed amenity. We anticipate increased tourist traffic this season due to the value of the American dollar and the paved parking area is our version of ‘rolling out the red carpet’ for their arrival.”

Dale Bumstead, Mayor, City of Dawson Creek

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Cow Bay Marina, Prince Rupert

“We’re looking forward to a busy summer at the new Cow Bay Marina, thanks in large part to the funding support provided by Northern Development. The Marina fills a void in Prince Rupert, which has recently had very few berths for itinerant vessels to tie up. Now, the Marina Manager is already receiving calls daily to reserve space from travelers planning to stop in Prince Rupert this summer.”

Paul Vendittelli, Economic Development Officer, Prince Rupert & Port Edward

Other recently approved projects include improvements to the Granisle Tourist Information Centre (Granisle), Vetter Falls Lodge (New Aiyansh), Nuxalk Welcome House Cafe (Bella Coola), Masset Boat Ramp & Queen Charlotte Harbour (Haida Gwaii)

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The Dunster Community Association has been awarded with the Heritage Conservation Award of Honour for the Dunster Museum project we funded last summer. The award was given by Heritage B.C. at its annual gala. Northern Development contributed $30,000 towards this project in 2015 through our Community Halls and Recreation Facilities program.

Jill Howard from the Dunster Community Association was thrilled with this award and said they could not have done it without Northern Development’s support. The museum opens again for the summer tourism season in June.

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Planning your camping trips? Logan Lake was able to expand their municipal campground through our Economic Diversification Infrastructure Program! Our Economic Diversification Infrastructure program supported this project with over $200,000. The campground now boasts 12 new sites, new picnic tables and fire pits, upgraded landscaping and irrigation system. To top it all off, the campground is now connected to the neighbouring golf course!

“The ultimate goal is to get people to come here, stay here and enjoy these beautiful surroundings,” said Randy Lambright, Chief Administrative Officer, District of Logan Lake.

  • What: 2016 North Central Local Government Association (NCLGA) Convention
  • Where: Encana Events Centre, Dawson Creek
  • When: May 4-6 2016

Register today to be a part of Northern BC’s premier power event, where decision makers tackle the hard issues and identify common opportunities in this strategically important region

Hosted by Dawson Creek, Pouce Coupe, Tumbler Ridge, the Peace River Regional District & Chetwynd.

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Take a tour of the North Peace Museum in Fort St. John – it’s more accessible than ever thanks to upgrades supported by Northern Development. A grant for $68,545 was provided from the Economic Diversification Infrastructure program. The museum provides an important stop for travellers on the Alaska Highway, and improvements to the facility encourage tourists to stop and stay in Fort St. John. They saw a marked increase in school group tours and expects to see an increase in visitor rates this summer.

“The renovations allow us to serve the community better” said Heather Sjoblom, Manager/Curator, Fort St. John North Peace Museum, “It’s something people can really appreciate”.

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On  March 4th, Board Chair Evan Saugstad and CEO Janine North joined MLA Shirley Bond and forestry industry representatives at Lo-Bar Log Transport headquarters in Prince George to announce the creation of the new $1 million Forest Innovation Fund. The creation of the fund means research and development in the forestry sector are getting a boost.

The fund will provide up to $1 million in grants over a two-year period for small and medium-sized supply chain companies and community forests engaged in resource extraction, resource processing and supply chain activities related to the forest sector.

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Northern Development is proud to be supporting unique festivals and events throughout our region with the Fabulous Festivals and Events funding program.

The program provides non-profit organizations $2500 to help build the sustainability and expansion of local events to attract tourism and build communities. Save the date and check out these events coming soon in Northern B.C.

  • Lytton  |  Lytton Block Party  |  May 20
  • Clinton  |  Clinton Annual Ball  |  May 21
  • Fort St. John  |  Performing arts BC Provincial Festival  |  May 31 – June 4
  • Chetwynd  |  International Chainsaw Carving Championship  |  June 9 – 12
  • Rolla  |  Sweetwater 905 Arts and Music Festival  |  June 10 – 11
  • Atlin  |  Atlin Arts and Music Festival  |  July 8 – 10
  • Quesnel  |  Billy Barker Days  |  July 14 – 17
  • Francois Lake  |  Grassy Plains Summer Festival  |  July 18 – 19
  • Hazelton  |  Kispiox Valley Music Festival  |  July 22 – 24
  • Bella Coola  |  Discovery Coast Music Festival  |  July 23 – 24
  • Terrace  |  Terrace Riverboat Days  |  July 29 – August 7
  • Haida Gwaii  |  Edge of the World Music Festival  |  August 5 – 7
  • Wells  |  Moonrise Film Festival  |  August 19 – 21
  • Barkerville  |  Mid-Autumn Moon Festival  |  August 20
  • Lillooet, Clinton, Logan Lake, Loon Lake  |  Gold Country Geocache Event  |
    September 2 – 5
  • Lytton  |  Lytton River Festival  |  September 2 – 3
  • Chetwynd  |  Chetwynd Harvest Festival  |  September 10
  • McBride  |  Fraser Heritage Festival  |  September 30 – Oct 2