News

May 4, 2020 PRINCE GEORGE, B.C. – Northern Development announced today that it is offering a new Regional Business Liaison (RBL) program. This program encourages Community Futures Development Corporations, Chambers of Commerce, local governments, community economic development entities or regional destination marketing organizations to hire locally based talent to provide business support services for the region. Funding will be made available to support up to three regional business liaison positions per Northern Development region (Northeast, Northwest, Prince George, and Cariboo-Chilcotin/Lillooet), for …

April 27, 2020 PRINCE GEORGE B.C. – Northern Development announced today that it has partnered with Support Local BC to promote the purchase of gift cards from Love Northern BC (LNBC) businesses. Support Local BC provides a place for communities and businesses throughout the province to support each other. It connects all regions and is a platform where you can support your favourite local businesses by purchasing gift cards for future use. You can choose businesses in your own community …

March 30, 2020 FORT ST. JOHN B.C. – Northern Development Initiative Trust announced today that nine Peace Region agricultural projects will receive approximately $190,000 in funding through the BC Hydro Peace Agricultural Compensation Fund (PACF) This is the second time grants have been awarded from the $20 million bi-annual fund, which was established in 2018. The fund reflects BC Hydro’s recognition of the role agriculture plays in the Peace River region and the potential effects of the Site C project …

March 4, 2020 Prince George, B.C. Northern Development today announced the approval of $1,424,018 for eight projects in its service region that seek to enhance and diversify the economy. At its February 26 meeting, Northern Development’s board of directors approved the following projects through the Economic Diversification Infrastructure Program: $250,000 was approved for the Prince Rupert Curling Club for facility upgrades. These upgrades will include a full replacement of the ice making plant facility, which will comply WorkSafe regulations. The …

February 24, 2020 PRINCE GEORGE Northern Development Initiative Trust today announced the approved funding of two projects under the Strategic Initiatives Fund (SIF) program. $144,000 was approved for the District of Hudson’s Hope for a “Light Industrial Subdivision Plan.” The overall goal of the project is to replace industrial lands that will be lost as a result of the Site C project, while providing an increase in both direct and indirect economic opportunities within the District. The proposed industrial subdivision …

Northern Development CEO, Joel McKay, presents the 2019 State of the North Economic Report at the B.C. Natural Resources Forum Thursday morning in Prince George. Report sheds light on the positive impact of major energy projects in the region, but indicates ongoing challenges in forestry and highlights the transitioning rural economy January 30, 2020 PRINCE GEORGE – The 2019 State of the North Economic Report published today highlights a wealth of new data on Northern B.C.’s key sectors, including regional …

From left: Derek Baker, director of economic development at Northern Development; Art Kaehn, chair of the RDFFG; Lara Becket, vice-chair of the RDFFG; Joel McKay, CEO of Northern Development; Janice Keyes, senior manager, community energy engagement at the Community Energy Association. January 8, 2020 PRINCE GEORGE – Northern Development Initiative Trust today announced its commitment of $192,000 towards the creation of an electric vehicle (EV) charging station network across central and northern B.C. Branded “Charge North”, this partnership involves 23 …

October 21 The BC Hydro Peace Agricultural Compensation Fund is a $20 million fund established by BC Hydro to support agricultural production and related economic activity in the Peace Region. This fund is governed by a regional decision-making board, responsible for overseeing the management and disbursement of the fund. They are seeking one member-at-large to serve on the board. To serve as a member-at-large, you must be an agricultural producer who lives in the B.C. Peace Region. Interested applicants are …

Northern Development Initiative Trust is pleased to announce it has approved over a half a million dollars for economic development projects in its service region. At their July 23 meeting, Northern Development’s board of directors approved the following projects through the Economic Diversification Infrastructure Program: $76,760 was approved for the Williams Lake Indian Band for renovations to the Elizabeth Grouse Gymnasium. This project will include the purchase and installation of new flooring, new air conditioning and heating systems, commercial grade …

Northern Development approved four major projects in its service region that will support and strengthen the local economy through its Economic Diversification Infrastructure Program. At their April 24 meeting, Northern Development’s board of directors approved funding for the following projects: $250,000 was approved for Coast Mountain College (CMTN), Terrace Campus, for the construction of a new community recreation centre. This centre will be accessible by the public and will provide cardio machines, free weights, an open workout zone and a …

A suite of Housing Programs will support local governments in the creation of new, market-based housing units across Northern B.C.
The Housing Needs Assessment Program, the Community Planning for Housing Program and the Northern Housing Incentive Program are designed as a step-by-step process that will assist local governments in all aspects of new residential development.

Upgraded web platform connects shoppers with independent, locally-owned businesses in Northern B.C. February 6, 2019 – Prince George, BC Northern Development has successfully launched a brand-new, mobile-friendly Love Northern BC website to better connect 1,600 businesses with customers. The original website was designed to be viewed on a desktop to support one community and 50 businesses. However, a 2017 site analysis revealed that nearly 50 per cent of web traffic came from mobile or tablet devices. The site is now …

September 5, 2018 | FORT ST. JOHN BC Hydro has appointed Northern Development Initiative Trust as the financial administrator of its Peace Agricultural Compensation Fund. The $20-million fund, launched earlier this year, supports agricultural priorities, such as production and economic activity, in the Peace Region. The fund reflects BC Hydro’s recognition of the role agriculture plays in the Peace River region and the potential effects of the Site C project on agriculture. The Northern Development Initiative Trust was selected through a …

August 27, 2018  |  The Smithers Regional Airport officially opened their new departure lounge, the most visible aspect of the Smithers Regional Airport Terminal Modernization Project. The new departure lounge seats 118 passengers allowing larger planes or multiple planes to utilize the airport facilities. There are new fully accessible washrooms in the departure lounge and, as part of the larger modernization project, in the terminal’s main lobby. Further improvements include upgrades to the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and fire suppression …

July 30, 2018 | Prince George, B.C. – The Village of Queen Charlotte celebrated the grand opening of the Queen Charlotte Boat Launch Improvement Project today, thanks in part to $250,000 in funding support from Northern Development. As the only boat launch south of Port Clements on Graham Island, improvements to the boat launch were much-needed to ensure safe usage for locals and tourists. Previously built for airplane use, the existing boat ramp design was a basic black top extending …

June 8, 2018 | Terrace, B.C. – The Terrace-Kitimat Airport Terminal expansion project is ready to celebrate its grand opening, thanks in part to $250,000 in approved funding support provided by Northern Development. The Terrace-Kitimat Airport Society announced the completion of its Air Terminal expansion project today. The two and a half year project included new and renovated sections including a new Departures Terminal check-in area, airline offices and cargo area. Renovated areas include the security screening and security hold room. Additionally, a new board room and …

Vancouver, BC – May 22, 2018 |  The final report from Geoscience BC’s Peace Project has been released today, providing important data for groundwater management and responsible resource development in northeast B.C. Produced by experts from Simon Fraser University, the report summarizes 16 pieces of research conducted since 2014 in a region where continuing oil and gas development means impartial, scientific data about groundwater is more important than ever before. The report provides significant new knowledge about groundwater in the …

April 23, 2018 – Prince George  |  Northern Development Initiative Trust puts communities in the driver’s seat and funds their economic development priorities  As part of its goal to support community-identified strategic priorities, Northern Development Initiative Trust approved $1.27 million in funding for five economic development projects throughout Northern B.C., thanks to the Strategic Initiatives Fund.  The Strategic Initiatives Fund (SIF) was launched in January of this year and was designed to put communities in the driver’s seat and propose projects that are strategic in nature and support long-term economic transformation …

McBride, B.C. — April 6, 2018 — Parts of the National Hiking Trail in the Robson Valley will be receiving upgrades thanks to funding support from Northern Development and the BC Rural Dividend Program. Northern Development has approved $30,000 in funding support through the Community Halls and Recreation Facilities program towards the improvements being made to parts of the National Hiking Trail. Phase 1 of the project consists of partial reactivation of the East Twin Forest Service Road (FSR), including …

Exciting news today regarding investments in connectivity throughout northern B.C.$11.3 million in key foundational funding to four major connectivity projects through the provincial Connecting British Columbia program, which is administered by Northern Development.

Jennifer Osmar, AltaGas Ltd., Mike Pucci, DP World, Gerald Wesley, Northern Development, Mayor Dave MacDonald, Councillor Christine MacKenzie, Samantha Donnelly, AltaGas Ltd. and Brad Landry, AltaGas Ltd. Port Edward, B.C. – March 9, 2018 The District of Port Edward is pleased to announce that the Port Edward public Boat Launch has been upgraded and will be ready for the 2018 season as it is fast approaching. This project was possible with the support of Northern Development Trust Initiative ($120,000); AltaGas …

Vancouver, BC – January 23, 2018 Geoscience BC revealed new project data at the AME Roundup conference today that will spark investment in mineral exploration and guide land planning in northern BC. The Search Phase III project data highlights where mineral deposits may be with more accuracy than ever before. This will help the exploration sector, communities, First Nations, and governments to plan future land use and attract investment. Search Phase III covers a remote 9,600 km2 area of north …

Prince George, B.C., January 16, 2018 – For immediate release Northern Development Initiative Trust announced two new funding programs today that will support innovation projects in traditional northern B.C. industries and key community-based strategic economic priorities. The Northern Industries Innovation Fund and the Strategic Initiatives Fund will provide up to $1.65 million annually in grant funding for projects throughout central and northern B.C. These funds are part of the Trust’s ongoing response to mitigate the economic impact of the mountain pine …

Tuesday January 9, 2017 – For Immediate Release A new report provides a snapshot view of the state of the economy for the entire central and northern B.C. region. The 2017 State of the North economic report has been produced thanks to a partnership between Northern Development Initiative Trust and MNP, and is intended to provide community and business leaders with comprehensive sector-specific and regional data that will help shed light on opportunities and inform investment decisions. The State of …

At tonight’s Council meeting, Prince George City Council approved changes to the Downtown Incentives Program which promise to help further revitalize the downtown area. The changes to the partnering agreement between the City and Northern Development Initiative Trust (NDIT) will improve the existing program by providing further enticement for developers to invest in downtown housing, which will serve to attract residents to the city centre to live. Northern Development’s board of directors approved the allocation of $1.8 million and amended …