May 29, 2018 | New Hazelton, B.C. – Renovations for a new community centre for the District of New Hazelton are set to be underway, thanks to funding support from Northern Development.

The District of New Hazelton has received $215,014 in approved funding from Northern Development’s Economic Diversification Infrastructure program for a much-needed new multi-use community centre.

The approved funding will go toward renovating a 7,080 square foot building into a new community centre, which will have the capacity to hold large events at the venue. The community centre will also have a large meeting space, commercial kitchen space and two office spaces that would be available for rental by entrepreneurs or small business owners.

Currently, the only facility in the community that can be used for large gatherings needs some major repairs. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the extent of repairs far exceeded the assessed value of the building and that a new facility would be a more feasible option for the community.

The new community centre will help to provide the community of New Hazelton with many revenue generation opportunities and a new gathering space for community members.

Renovations for the new community centre are expected to begin this month and completed by Fall 2018.

Quick Facts:

• Since 2005, Northern Development has approved $1,963,535 in funding in the Hazelton area
• The Hazelton area includes the Village of Hazelton, the District of New Hazelton and First Nations communities of Gitanmaax, Gitsegukla, Gitwangak, Hagwilget and Witset (Moricetown)
• Other project funding includes $250,000 for the Upper Skeena Recreation Centre (Heart of the Hazeltons) and $137,605 for revitalizations for the Moricetown RV Park and Campground
• 17.7% of the area’s funding was approved for projects in the area’s First Nations communities of Gitanmaax, Gitsegukla, Gitwangak, Hagwilget and Witset (Moricetown)

Quotes

Gerry Thiessen, chair, Northern Development Initiative Trust

“Economic diversification projects such as the New Hazelton community centre renovations, play a vital role in the Trust’s economic sustainability mandate. This project will not only help contribute to the overall economic development of the community of New Hazelton, but also will help promote economic growth and build strong relationships within the surrounding region.”

Gail Lowry, mayor, District of New Hazelton

“The District of New Hazelton is very excited to receive this grant from Northern Development Initiative Trust for renovations to our new community center.  The grant will help us to create a diverse space that will serve to stimulate economic diversification while also providing a new space for our community to gather together.  Thanks to Northern Development Initiative Trust, the renovations will happen at a much quicker pace and the building should be operational late this year.”

About Northern Development

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 3,166 ways to say “yes” to projects that help the region thrive.