TELEGRAPH CREEK, B.C. – March 12, 2018

A critical piece of infrastructure in Telegraph Creek is getting a new lease on life thanks in part to funding from Northern Development Initiative Trust (NDIT) and the Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine (RDKS).

A new dock will be built in the remote northwest community this summer, which provides a key resource for industry, tourists and residents alike who make use of the Stikine River.

Thanks to more than $300,000 in funding approvals ($214,000 from NDIT and $92,450 from RDKS), as well as donated materials from the Tahltan First Nation, a new dock will be constructed to provide the community with a 20 year asset.

The Stikine River provides a key resource for both commercial fishing and commercial tourism activities for both residents of Telegraph Creek and the Tahltan Nation.

The current dock was built in 1983, and has reached a state of disrepair, having extended well beyond a normal lifespan for such infrastructure. With safety of residents and tourists becoming a concern, it became a priority project for the region.

The construction of the dock is scheduled to begin immediately with preliminary engineering work getting tackled first, and completion of the project estimated for the spring of this year. The dock will be built off-site then put into place during a window of least risk to local fish and fish habitat, when the river is at its lowest.

Northern Development funded this project through its Economic Diversification Infrastructure program which provides up to $250,000 in grant funding to support major infrastructure projects that strengthen the local economy and provide a long-term community asset.

Quotes

Joel McKay, CEO, Northern Development Initiative Trust

Northern Development is pleased to be able to provide support for the repair work to the Telegraph Creek dock. Not only will these upgrades provide immediate benefits to the local area communities in terms of recreation and business opportunities, but they will also provide a long term asset to support the area’s economic vitality for years to come.

Phillip Germuth, chair, Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine

The dock at Telegraph Creek is key for providing all kinds of services to this remote area of northern B.C. We’d like to thank the Trust for their partnership and support in upgrading this essential piece of regional infrastructure.

Dave Brocklebank, director, Electoral Area D – Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine

Telegraph Creek is located on the Stikine River in a remote region rich with natural resources. The dock provides residents and visitors to the area with access to recreation and economic development activities. It is also utilized by various Provincial and Federal agencies. We welcome this infrastructure upgrade that will contribute to the economic health of the area.

Rick Mclean, chief, Tahltan First Nation

The Tahltan Band owns and operates the Stikine Riversong Cafe and Lodge in Telegraph Creek. Tourist access to the dock is a critical driver of visitors to the area and the success of this business. The Talhtan Band fully supports the upgrade of this important piece of infrastructure.

Quick Facts

• Telegraph Creek is located off Highway 37 and is the only permanent settlement on the Stikine River, with approximately 250 residents.
• The project is expected to employ eight workers to prepare the new dock.
• A partial repair to the dock would only provide a five-year benefit. Completing a full dock replacement results in maintenance cost savings of nearly $226,000.
• To date, Northern Development has invested $232,000 in grant funding for three projects in Telegraph Creek, including funding a greant writer and a capital project analysis.
• To date, Northern Development has contributed nearly $5.3 million in grant and loan funding for 99 projects throughout the Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine.
• 11 of the grants approved by Northern Development for Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine projects are valued at $100,000 or more.

About

About Northern Development Initiative Trust

Northern Development has a passion for growing the economy of central and northern British Columbia. Communities, First Nations and businesses of the north are leaders in creating jobs, new revenues and improving the quality of life in the region, and the Trust is dedicated to supporting their growth. The Trust combines funding with smart thinking and since 2005 has found more than 2,800 ways to say “yes” to projects that help the region thrive. www.northerndevelopment.bc.ca

Contact

Deklan Corstanje
Economic Development Officer
Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine
250-615-6100
deklanc@rdks.bc.ca