February 2026 - Newsletter

For our next staff spotlight, we’re pleased to introduce Sofia Thompson, Finance Coordinator. Sofia plays a key role in keeping Northern Development’s programs running smoothly, bringing care, precision and a strong sense of responsibility to the financial processes that support our work across the region. Her attention to detail and steady support help ensure our funding reaches communities efficiently and responsibly, making her an essential part of the Northern Development’s team.

Can you share a bit about your background and what brought you to the Trust? 

I have a bachelor’s degree in political science from UNBC and have had the chance to work for both local organizations in Prince George and the provincial government. Those experiences really shaped my interest in how communities grow and thrive. I’m passionate about making a meaningful impact in our regions, especially through work connected to local government and economic development. Being able to contribute to initiatives that support communities and create opportunities for the region really motivates me and brought me to the Trust. 

How have you grown professionally since joining Northern Development? 

One of the biggest ways I’ve grown professionally has been developing knowledge in areas that were new to me. I didn’t come from a financial background, so learning how funding works, how projects are structured, and learning accounting processes has been incredibly beneficial to my growth. I’ve also gained a much deeper understanding of economic development, particularly the unique opportunities and challenges in Northern BC.  

What hobbies or interests help you unwind outside of work? 

Outside of work I enjoy being active, playing soccer on my local team, hiking, and in the winter skiing. The past year I have gotten into running and finished my first half marathon at Mount Robson. I also love traveling and have most recently gone to Mexico!

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

What I appreciate most about the culture here is the genuinely supportive and collaborative environment. We have an amazing workplace where people are always willing to help each other out and share knowledge. Knowing you’re part of a team that is passionate about what we do and wants everyone to succeed makes it easier to do our best work!

PS: Want to join our team? We’re currently hiring for the position of Manager, Partner Programs.

After years of planning, perseverance and community commitment, the Dawson Creek Sportsman’s Club is celebrating the completion of its new indoor shooting range, a significant addition to year-round recreation infrastructure in the Peace region.

Located at the Club’s Riley Crossing property in Electoral Area D of the Peace River Regional District, the new facility replaces the indoor shooting range that once operated at Kin Park in Dawson Creek and was demolished approximately 30 years ago. With this project now complete, the community again has access to a modern, fully serviced indoor range designed to support safe, inclusive and weather-independent recreation.

Funded in part through Northern Development’s Recreation Infrastructure program, which committed and disbursed $300,000 toward the project, the $1.2 million facility supports pistol, archery and .22 rifle sports and is certified by the BC Chief Firearms Officer. This certification is a major milestone, making the Riley Crossing facility the only year-round certified shooting range in the area and opening the door to expanded programming, training and events.

The benefits of this new amenity extend well beyond club members. Year-round access significantly increases training capacity for a wide range of users, including the RCMP, conservation and natural resource officers and Canadian Rangers. The Club also supports archery programs delivered through local high schools and First Nations students through the Nawican Friendship Centre, strengthening pathways for youth engagement and skill development.

In a region known for long, cold and dark winters, the ability to offer consistent indoor recreation is especially meaningful. The new range provides community members with a reliable activity that is not subject to weather conditions, helping support physical activity, social connection and well-being throughout the year.

The facility is also expected to boost sport tourism to Dawson Creek by creating infrastructure capable of hosting competitions and regional events, positioning the Sportsman’s Club as a go-to destination for northeast B.C. and northwest Alberta.

Above all, the project reflects the Dawson Creek Sportsman’s Club’s long-term vision and dedication to serving its broader community. From replacing a long-lost facility to creating a modern, certified range that meets diverse needs, the Club’s efforts demonstrate how locally-driven initiatives can deliver lasting community benefits.

The NDIT team had the opportunity to attend the grand opening of the facility this past weekend and the excitement of the community was palpable. The new indoor shooting range stands as a strong example of how recreation infrastructure investments can support community vitality, economic activity and year-round quality of life in Northern BC.

The Omineca Ski Club is celebrating the completion of a new waxing and ski rental cabin at its Nordic ski centre near Burns Lake, creating a welcoming, functional and year-round facility for skiers and community members.

Supported through $98,595 committed toward the project through Northern Development’s Recreation Infrastructure funding program, the new 1,200 square-foot cabin replaces an aging structure that had reached the end of its usable life. The former building was significantly smaller, lacked proper insulation and a foundation, and relied on a non-operational propane furnace that could not be repaired despite years of volunteer efforts to extend its lifespan.

Approved in June 2025, the project moved quickly from planning to completion. The new cabin was ready for use by the very next ski season, demonstrating the Club’s efficiency and strong volunteer leadership. The facility officially opened on January 18, 2026, coinciding with both a Teck Northern Cup Race and International Snow Day, a fitting backdrop for a celebration focused on community and winter recreation. Mark Parker, Chair of the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako and a Director on Northern Development’s Board, attended the grand opening alongside club members and supporters.

Designed with both athletes and first-time visitors in mind, the new cabin includes a dedicated waxing area, expanded ski rental space, lounge and locker areas and modern electrical and heating systems, including a heat pump. The improved rental layout makes the facility more accessible and inviting for people trying Nordic skiing for the first time, helping reduce barriers to participation and grow the sport locally.

For competitive skiers and event organizers, the designated waxing area is a significant upgrade. Proper waxing space is essential during race events, particularly in cold temperatures, and the new facility allows the Club to better support competitions and larger gatherings throughout the season.

Beyond winter use, the new cabin increases the overall usability of the Nordic ski centre year-round. With improved infrastructure in place, the Omineca Ski Club can expand programming into the shoulder seasons, offering events and activities in early fall and late spring and strengthening the site’s role as a community hub.

This project reflects how a timely investment in recreation infrastructure can support volunteer-driven organizations, enhance community access to outdoor recreation and create spaces that welcome both seasoned athletes and newcomers alike.

The Hixon Community Association has completed interior upgrades to the Hixon Hall, improving comfort, usability and long-term sustainability for one of the community’s most important shared spaces.
Supported through Northern Development’s Community Places program, with $30,000 committed and disbursed toward the project, the upgrade focused on modernizing the interior of the hall while preserving its role as a welcoming, multi-purpose facility. Approved in March 2025, the project was completed efficiently, with final reporting submitted to Northern Development in November 2025.

Built in 1966, the Hixon Hall serves as the central gathering place for residents of Hixon, Woodpecker and Strathnaver. In a community without a central shopping district, the hall plays a critical role in bringing people together for activities ranging from yoga classes and community meetings to seasonal celebrations and educational programs. Despite being structurally sound, the building required aesthetic upgrades and lacked effective climate control, limiting its usability during warmer months.

The completed improvements included the installation of a tee bar drop ceiling, a stub wall, new LED lighting and two air conditioning condensers with associated ducting. Together, these upgrades have significantly improved air quality, lighting and temperature control, making the space more comfortable and attractive for both regular programming and private rentals.

Improved climate control is expected to increase rental use during the summer months, helping the Association generate additional revenue to support ongoing operation and maintenance. Just as importantly, the upgrades allow the hall to function as an emergency shelter during periods of extreme summer heat, strengthening community resilience and supporting vulnerable residents.

This project marked the Hixon Community Association’s first successful funding application with Northern Development and stands as a strong example of how modest, well-targeted investments can deliver meaningful and long-lasting community benefits. With before-and-after photos clearly showing the impact of the lighting and interior improvements, the renewed hall is better positioned to continue serving as a welcoming, inclusive space for residents of all ages for years to come.

Through timely completion and thoughtful upgrades, the Hixon Community Association has ensured that the Hixon Hall remains a vital and reliable hub for connection, comfort and community wellbeing in the region.

This January, Northern B.C. played host to two pivotal gatherings that showcased the strength of face-to-face connection and highlighted the region’s essential role in British Columbia’s economic future.

This year, the NDIT team had a booth at the BC Natural Resources Forum, a meaningful, annual conference that brings together leaders from Indigenous communities, government, industry and the service and supply sectors for three days of dialogue, insight and collaboration. As Western Canada’s largest multi-sector resource conference, the Forum provides an invaluable platform for relationship building and meaningful exchange across sectors that are foundational to the province’s economy. Delegates from all levels of government joined resource developers and community voices to share perspectives on sustainable growth, inclusive partnerships and opportunities across the natural resource landscape.

Alongside this multi-sector forum, the NDIT team attended the TrueNorth Business Development Forum, which offered a focused space for early-career professionals and regional leaders to connect, network and learn from one another. NDIT staff Felicia Magee, Senior Director of Economic Development and Programming and Jordan Hammond, Manager of Economic Development, also had the opportunity to lead a session at this year’s forum and share the Trust’s impact on the North, while also connecting with young professionals and established leaders across industry, education and community development.

Both events reinforced a central truth: strong personal connections and open dialogue are key to building economic resilience in Northern BC. Quality face-to-face meetings like these help to bridge perspectives, strengthen partnerships and create the conditions for investment and innovation that benefit communities across the region.

At Northern Development, we’re proud to support this kind of engagement. Whether we’re attending, participating or connecting delegates with funding programs that strengthen local capacity, our role is to help people and communities translate conversation into action, bolstering economic resiliency and supporting a future where Northern BC continues to thrive.

Northern Development is inviting partners and stakeholders to help spread the word about a new, limited-time funding opportunity available through the Business Advisory Supports program.

Delivered through Northern Development’s Rural and Remote Employment Initiatives Fund, this program is designed to help small and medium-sized businesses in rural and remote Northern BC strengthen their operations, respond to tariff-related impacts and sustain or create employment opportunities.

Northern BC continues to face higher-than-average unemployment and population pressures, particularly in communities where natural resource industries play a central role. This program is intended to help businesses adapt, plan and remain competitive while supporting economic resiliency across the region.

Eligible businesses can access up to $30,000 in funding, covering as much as 85 per cent of eligible professional advisory costs, including services such as business planning, legal and accounting support, management consulting and market development. For more complex projects, funding of up to $50,000 may be available.

The program is open to small and medium-sized businesses that have been operating for more than two years, as well as First Nation businesses, First Nation development corporations, community contribution companies and eligible non-profit organizations whose primary purpose is job creation and economic benefit.

The program has a continuous intake and applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are fully allocated or until December 31, 2026, whichever comes first. Early applications are encouraged.

We encourage partners and community organizations to help share this opportunity with businesses that may benefit using the program’s partner toolkit, linked here. Anyone interested in learning more is encouraged to start a conversation with our team.

For program information or support, please contact Jordan Barrett, Manager of Partner Programs at jordanb@northerndevelopment.bc.ca or 250-561-2525.

Additional details and application information are available on the funding program page.

The following Northern Development program will have an intake closing within the next month:

• Intern applications for the local and First Nation government internship program close on February 15, 2026
• On February 26, Northern Development is hosting a Member Breakfast in partnership with the Prince George Chamber of Commerce, focused on the Business Advisory Supports program. Find more details and register here.

You can stay up-to-date with important dates by checking out the calendar on our website.