August 5, 2026
Northern B.C. – Northern Development has committed $576,000 of funding for three unique, community-building projects throughout central and northern B.C. during their most recent Board meeting. Funding will flow through the Economic Infrastructure, Cultural Infrastructure and Northern Housing Incentive programs to Lheidli T’enneh First Nation, Williams Lake First Nation and the Town of Smithers, respectively.
This marks the second round of funding approvals made by the Trust’s Board of Directors in 2026, with a third set of funding approvals anticipated to be made in late October.
The projects approved are:
Lheidli T’enneh First Nation – $300,000 for Hydroponic Container Farm to support the Nation’s commitment to self-determination, economic sovereignty and community well-being. The new 40-by-10-foot hydroponic farm will produce nutritious, fresh food to directly benefit members through improved food security, with increased awareness of those who can not easily travel to grocery stores to regularly access fresh produce. Approximately 65 percent of the produce will be sold through restaurants, cafes and a farmers’ market, with anticipated revenue of $50,000 in the first full year of operations.
Williams Lake First Nation – $200,000 for the Memorial Park Cultural Amphitheatre to invest in the second phase of the Williams Lake Frist Nation Memorial Park development in downtown Williams Lake. The amphitheatre and surrounding space will be intentionally designed to honour the history and journey of the Williams Lake First Nation and Secwépemc people, guiding visitors through key cultural and historic narratives. This project addresses a cultural infrastructure gap for the region, as there is no purpose-built outdoor amphitheatre to host structure programming and ticketed events. Once complete, the facility is expected to host 35 programs annually, generating $50,000 in revenue.
Town of Smithers – $76,000 for Smithers Area Housing Society Seniors Housing to incentivize the development of eight new two-bedroom housing units in the town. This project directly addresses shortages in available rental housing for Smither’s senior population. The population of residents between 65 and 80 years of age is expected to increase over the next two decades, and the population of people over the age of 80 is anticipated to double during the same period. This project addresses the critical shortage of rental housing in Smithers while providing specific homes built with seniors in mind.
Quotes:
Ben Campbell, CEO, Northern Development
“This round of funding approvals demonstrates how the Trust is supporting communities to make the north stronger and more resilient by caring for the people who choose to live here. Fresh produce, new homes for seniors and a new public gathering place, this trio of grants will improve the lives of people living in Northern B.C. and help make our communities more welcoming for resident attraction.”
Chief Willie Sellars, Williams Lake First Nation
“Creating a cultural amphitheatre in downtown Williams Lake has been a goal of Williams Lake First Nation for many years, and we are excited to move into the second phase of the project. Once complete, the amphitheatre will provide a meaningful gathering place for residents, support Indigenous culture and storytelling, attract cultural tourism, and create economic opportunities for WLFN, local businesses and the broader region. We are grateful to Northern Development for its support in helping bring this important project to life.”
Mayor Gladys Atrill, Town of Smithers
“Receiving this grant to go toward the construction of eight new homes, specifically built for our seniors, is wonderful news for our community. These homes will provide safe and comfortable places for older residents to live while staying connected to the people and community they call home. By helping reduce the construction costs, this funding will allow Smithers and Area Housing Society to offer lower rents to future tenants, making a real difference for local seniors.”
