April 2026 - Newsletter

For the first time in the Trust’s 21-year history, the daughter of a previous Board member has been appointed to the Board of Directors. Julie Maitland has served on the Village of Hazelton Council since 2018, first as a Councillor and then as Mayor in October 2022. Born and raised on Gitxsan Territory in the Village of Hazelton, Julie has lifelong connections to the northwest through family, politics and work.

“Joining the Northern Development Board is an honour and I look forward to working alongside my fellow board members to advance economic growth and resilience throughout Northern B.C. while bringing my local perspectives to the table,” said Maitland. “The Trust is one of those steadfast organizations that is quietly working in the background of our political landscape to support people and communities. As we know, change is a constant, and it is the role of the Board to provide direction to ensure the Trust continues to be reliable and responsive to the needs of the region.”

Julie Maitland is the daughter of Alice Maitland, the previous Mayor of the Village of Hazelton. Alice Maitland was appointed to the Northern Development Board in January 2017 by the Northwest Regional Advisory Committee, the same committee who appointed Julie to the Board in 2026.

“Having the pleasure of serving on the same Board with two generations of the same family is an incredibly rare opportunity,” said Chair Margo Wagner. “Alice and I sat around the same Board table early in my tenure on the Board and now Julie has taken a seat at the same table. The Maitland name has a strong legacy of championing people and projects in rural B.C. and their impact has positively impacted their direct community and beyond. At the same time, the Board sincerely thanks Gladys for her commitment to the North through both her time with us at the Northern Development Board and all of her other work in northwest B.C.”

Maitland joins the Board after Gladys Atrill, Mayor of Smithers, stepped down. Atrill served on the Board for three years and provided valuable insight and perspectives into a variety of industries and topics, including transportation, natural resources and other goings on in northwest B.C. and around the province.

Photo: Darrin Rigo

To learn more about the Trust’s governance structure, visit: Northern Development – Board Governance

The City of Dawson Creek has earned national recognition for its delivery of the 2025 Para Cup, taking home the International Sport Event of the Year – Group B (Budget Less Than $2M) at the Sport Tourism Canada PRESTIGE Awards. The award recognizes the success of an international sporting event held in Northern B.C. and highlights Dawson Creek’s ability to host a world-class competition that made a real impact on the community.

That success was supported in part by $13,327 in funding from Northern Development’s Marketing Initiatives program. This support helped expand the event’s reach and strengthen local engagement, ensuring Dawson Creek was well prepared to welcome athletes, visitors and fans from across the globe. By supporting projects like the Para Cup, Northern Development continues to help communities across Northern B.C. bring ideas to life in ways that support tourism, local economies, and community pride.

Working alongside Hockey Canada, the City rolled out a strong marketing campaign to build awareness of para hockey and get the community involved. The approach included media outreach, targeted promotion, and grassroots engagement, with a clear focus on inclusion. Event organizers also prioritized recognizing First Nation partners throughout the event: Doig River First Nation, Saulteau First Nation and West Moberly First Nation. From dedicated media acknowledgment to the presentation of awards designed by Indigenous artists, the initiative ensured these partnerships were visible and celebrated.

“The 2025 Para Cup showcased the Peace Region to the world,” said Chelsea Mottishaw, Tourism, Emergency & Climate Readiness Manager, City of Dawson Creek. “With support from NDIT, a comprehensive marketing campaign was developed in partnership with the Ovintiv Events Centre, leading to record-breaking ticket sales and generating an economic impact of $420,000 in Dawson Creek alone. Sporting events like this leave a lasting legacy both on and off the ice for the region and para hockey in the north. A sincere thank you to all who contributed to this event’s success.”

Hosted from November 30 to December 6, 2025, the Para Cup brought elite international para hockey athletes to Dawson Creek, transforming the community into a hub of high-performance sport. Beyond the competition, the event created opportunities for residents and visitors to connect with para sport and sledge hockey through in-person experiences, educational outreach, and community programming, leaving a lasting impact and strengthening Dawson Creek’s reputation as a welcoming place to host major events.

The impact of the event extended well beyond the rink. The Para Cup generated approximately $1.2 million in overall economic activity across the province, including $385,000 in visitor spending and $800,000 in initial expenditures. It brought 716 out-of-town visitors to the community, supported 642 full-time local jobs, and contributed $272,000 in local wages and salaries. With $219,000 in taxes supported across Canada and a $639,000 boost to provincial GDP, the event stands as a powerful example of how sport tourism can create lasting economic and social benefits for Northern B.C. communities.

Two previous Northern Development proponents are being recognized among the province’s best, taking home wins at the 2026 BC Tourism Industry Awards, held in Kelowna from March 4-6. The annual awards celebrate excellence, leadership and innovation across British Columbia’s tourism and hospitality sector, highlighting the people and organizations helping shape the industry. This year, the Tse’K’wa Heritage Society and Tourism Prince George stood out for their work in cultural tourism and destination development.

Both organizations are past recipients of Northern Development funding, showing the value of strong partnerships in helping bring tourism projects to life. Through investments in cultural infrastructure, marketing, and economic development, Northern Development has supported initiatives that not only enhance visitor experiences, but also strengthen local economies and celebrate the unique stories of Northern B.C.

The Tse’K’wa Heritage Society, located near Charlie Lake, received the Indigenous Operator Experience Award for its work at the Tse’K’wa National Historic Site. Through combined investments of $320,000, Northern Development supported parts of this broader vision, including the development of the Tse’K’wa Cultural Centre and the organization’s branding and online presence. These efforts have helped visitor experience through interpretive trails, an outdoor amphitheatre, and cultural programming, while learning about Dane Zaa stories, artifacts, and traditions in a meaningful way.

“It is a great honour to be recognized. This award speaks to the hard work that’s gone into developing the overall experience at Tse’k’wa National Historic Site. The stories of our ancestors come alive for new generations at Tse’k’wa. We’ve created a space where people can come to learn, reflect, and connect to the land,” said Garry Oker, President, Tse’k’wa Heritage Society. 

Tourism Prince George was recognized with the award for Professional Excellence, DMO (Destination Marketing Organization) or Sector Association. Supported in part by $300,000 in Northern Development funding, the Tourism Prince George Visitor Information Centre Relocation and Enhancements project is one of several initiatives contributing to this success. Relocating the Visitor Information Centre to a more central downtown location within the Prince George Conference and Civic Centre has helped improve visibility and access, while connecting visitors to nearby amenities, events, and attractions. An open-air container market in the area creates new opportunities for local businesses and add to the overall visitor experience.

“It’s an honour to be recognized at a provincial level. This reflects the work of many people who are committed to growing tourism in Prince George and the surrounding region,” said Scott McWalter, Executive Director, Tourism Prince George. “Projects like the Visitor Information Center relocation have helped create stronger connections to the community and encouraging people to stay longer and explore more.”

The evening also highlighted additional talent across Northern B.C., with recognition for past proponents and partners, including Northern FanCon’s Norm Coyne, who received a nomination for Tourism Business Person of the Year, and Spinal Cord Injury BC, nominated for Innovation. Together, these achievements reflect a growing momentum in Northern B.C.’s tourism industry – driven by collaboration and a shared effort to showcase the region on a larger stage.

Caledonia Nordic Ski Club (CNSC) brought their trails to life this season, hosting both the IBU Regional Event – Western Canada Championship and the Odlum Brown B.C. Championships. The competitions welcomed athletes from across the region and created an exciting, high-energy atmosphere that was felt both on and off the course.

Northern Development has supported Caledonia Nordic over the years with over $1M of investments in facility upgrades, infrastructure and marketing initiatives, helping build a venue that can host competitions of this calibre. That support has played a role in creating a space where athletes can train, compete, and connect, while also bringing visitors to the region. To mark the occasion, Northern Development board member Lara Beckett was on hand to present medals, helping celebrate the athletes’ hard work and the community effort behind hosting events of this scale.

“There’s a real sense of community in seeing the trails full of athletes, volunteers, and spectators,” said Ian Hartley, Co‑Competition Lead for Biathlon at CNSC. “Events like the recent biathlon competition are a big undertaking. With the volunteer and financial support we’ve received, CNSC has built a facility that is capable of hosting competitions at regional, national and international level.”

Learn more about Northern Development’s past support for Caledonia Nordic Ski Club: Click Here

Our next staff spotlight introduces Eric Yuan, as he steps into a full-time role as Partner Programs Coordinator with Northern Development. Eric brings more than a decade of experience working in China, where he managed education programs, supported students through the graduate application process, and built partnerships with international institutions. Since relocating to Northern B.C., he has continued to grow his skills in a community-focused setting, gaining experience with funding programs and project support. Known for his thoughtful approach, strong organizational skills, and ability to connect with others, Eric plays an important role in supporting projects across the region. His experience and perspective make him a valuable addition to the team as he continues to grow in his role.

What does a typical week in your role look like, and what do you enjoy most about it?

A typical week usually includes reviewing applications, following up with applicants, working through project details, and helping move files forward internally. Some days are very detail-heavy, and others involve more communication and problem-solving. What I enjoy most is that no two projects are exactly the same. I’m always learning something new, and I like being able to support applicants while also helping make sure everything is clear, organized, and moving in the right direction.

How have you grown professionally since joining Northern Development?

Since joining Northern Development, I’ve grown a lot in both confidence and judgment. I’ve become stronger at reviewing information carefully, communicating clearly, and balancing the big picture with the small details. I’ve also learned a lot about how funding programs work in practice and how important it is to be consistent, thoughtful, and responsive. Overall, I feel like this role has helped me become more confident in both my professional skills and my ability to contribute to the team.

What do you appreciate most about the culture at Northern Development? How does it support your work?

What I appreciate most is how supportive and collaborative the culture is. Our team are always willing to share knowledge, answer questions, and help each other work through challenges. That kind of environment makes a big difference, especially when you’re learning and growing in your role. It makes it easier to do good work, ask questions when needed, and feel like you’re part of a team that genuinely wants everyone to succeed.

What keeps you motivated in your daily work?

What keeps me motivated is knowing that the work we do helps support communities and local projects in a meaningful way. Even when I’m working through the administrative side of things, it feels connected to something bigger. I also really value the chance to keep learning, improve over time, and be part of work that has a real impact.

What hobbies or interests help you unwind outside of work?

Outside of work, I like keeping things pretty simple. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, trying good food, and getting the chance to play soccer when I can. My child and I are also both big ice cream fans, so whenever we visit somewhere new, we always try to find a local ice cream spot. It’s kind of our thing, and it’s one of my favourite ways to make fun memories together.