January 2026 - Newsletter

In this issue

A new year brings a different kind of energy. This January, we’re focussed on building momentum, taking what we’ve learned and putting it to work in practical, meaningful ways. Across Northern BC, that momentum is already apparent in the people and projects featured in this month’s newsletter.

We are pleased to begin by recognizing Wendy Okoye, who has stepped into her new role as Manager, Economic Development (Internships). Her work continues to strengthen pathways for emerging talent while supporting local and First Nations governments and interns as they build long-term capacity in communities across the North.

We are also sharing several project stories that reflect the ingenuity and adaptability of Northern businesses and organizations. From Delve Recycled Inc.’s expansion of rural recycling infrastructure and community-based innovation, to the strategic planning underway at Dunne-Za Lodge and new training and service opportunities being created through the Danskin Garage and Training Centre, each project was started to respond directly to local needs while contributing to broader regional resilience.

Finally, the Connaught Youth Centre Society’s Northern Fresh Food Centre reminds us that economic development and social impact often go hand-in-hand. By strengthening food security through year-round local production, this initiative is creating jobs, generating revenue and expanding community support in Prince George.

As the year unfolds, these projects offer a strong reminder that progress in the North is built through collaboration, creativity and a shared commitment to sustainable growth.

Here’s to a 2026 filled with new projects, partnerships and progress for communities across the region.

Ben

For our first team feature of the year, we’re shining the spotlight on Wendy Okoye, Manager of Economic Development (Internships). Wendy has been an integral part of NDIT’s local and First Nation government internship program and her passion and commitment to the graduates and communities that this program serves has been crucial to its ongoing success. 

What project or accomplishment are you most proud of? Why?

One of the accomplishments I am most proud of is the growth and impact of our internship program, particularly the development and success of our present interns and alumni interns. Seeing interns join the program with curiosity and potential, then grow into confident professionals who contribute meaningfully during their placements and beyond, has been incredibly rewarding. I am especially proud of how our current interns continue to show initiative, collaboration and a strong commitment to learning, while our alumni interns carry those same values forward into their careers and communities. Their achievements reflect not only individual effort, but also the strength of the program and the supportive ecosystem built by mentors, interns (past and present) and NDIT. Being part of a program that creates lasting opportunities and fosters long-term growth is an accomplishment I truly value.

Is there something about you that might surprise your colleagues or people in our region?

One thing that might surprise my colleagues and others in the region is my active involvement in volunteer service. I volunteer with several organizations and am currently serving my second tenure as Board Chair for Volunteer Prince George. This work is deeply meaningful to me and reflects my commitment to community leadership, collaboration and giving back beyond my professional role.

What hobbies or interests help you unwind outside of work?

Outside of work, I enjoy cooking and hosting friends as a way to unwind. I find a lot of joy in trying out new recipes and experimenting with different dishes and it’s especially rewarding to see others enjoy the meals I prepare. The compliments I receive for my cooking always make the experience even more fulfilling and remind me how much I love bringing people together through food.

What keeps you motivated in your daily work?

What keeps me motivated in my daily work is knowing that I am making a meaningful impact by helping to shape the future of our next generation of leaders, while also contributing to the economic development of Northern BC. Being part of a program where interns grow, gain confidence and build skills that strengthen our communities is incredibly fulfilling. I’m inspired by the idea that one day, one of our interns might go on to become a mayor or a community leader and knowing that I played a small role in their professional path makes it truly rewarding.

Delve Recycled Inc. is advancing its mission to transform local plastic waste into useful products with support from Northern Development’s Northern Industries Innovation Fund. Approved on July 2, 2025, the $46,250 investment supports the Delve Recycled Expansion project, an initiative focused on building scalable, community-based recycling infrastructure in rural British Columbia.

Founded by entrepreneur Emma Swabey, Delve Recycled is transitioning from a DIY-scale operation into a fully equipped production studio. Northern Development funding has played a catalytic role, enabling the company to apply for additional funding and leverage an additional $180,800 through the CleanBC Plastics Action Fund under the Regional Plastics Innovation category.

The expansion of Delve Recycled includes four integrated components: construction of a purpose-built recycling studio to increase production capacity and support staff growth; development of a mobile recycling studio to deliver workshops and services directly to rural and remote communities; acquisition of advanced equipment such as a CNC machine and high-heat polymer 3D printer; and delivery of hands-on recycling workshops in partnership with the Wells and Area Community Association.

Delve Recycled is also working with regional partners to strengthen their local economies. Collaborations with the Cariboo Regional District will explore diverting plastic from landfills, while partnerships with Next General Mercantile will pilot custom-branded recycled products. Together, these initiatives demonstrate a practical model for rural circular manufacturing.

This project fills a critical gap in recycling infrastructure in the North, supports economic diversification and empowers communities to participate directly in climate action. With Northern Development’s support, Delve Recycled can continue its research and development work, ensuring the project remains rooted in long-term sustainability. Learn more about this innovative organization.

Dunne-Za Lodge Corporation is taking an important step toward expanding and strengthening its tourism operations with support from Northern Development’s Competitiveness Consulting Rebate. Approved on December 12, 2025, the $29,750 investment supports a strategic planning initiative for Dunne-Za Lodge, owned and operated by West Moberly First Nation (WMFN).

Located on Moberly Lake, the Dunne-Za Lodge offers year-round recreation and serves as an important cultural gathering place where Dunne-Za and Cree traditions are shared through community events, healing camps and cultural programming. The project is expected to create three full-time positions and one seasonal role while increasing annual revenue by approximately $176,000 over three years.

Working with an expert consultant, the Dunne-Za Lodge Corporation will develop a comprehensive long-term strategic plan and land development strategy for the lodge, which has been owned and operated by WMFN for approximately 15 years. The Nation has identified roughly eight acres of land surrounding the lodge for potential future development, including campsites, RV sites, trails and additional facilities. This project will utilize an envisioning process to determine the most effective layout, development timeline and potential sources of seed funding.

Key deliverables include an evaluation of current tourism and accommodation trends, financial performance, guest satisfaction and operational efficiency. A competitive demand analysis will assess the lodge’s market position and inform revenue projections, capital cost considerations and return-on-investment calculations to guide future investment decisions.

Cheslatta Contracting LP is moving forward with renovations to the Danskin Garage and Training Centre with support from Northern Development’s Economic Infrastructure program. Approved on October 29, 2025, the project received $150,000 toward a total budget of $727,200. The initiative was also approved for an additional $106,000 through the Province’s REDIP program.

The project will transform an existing auto shop owned by Cheslatta Carrier Nation in Southbank, BC into a multipurpose training and service facility. Once complete, the centre will provide accessible and affordable technical education, trades certifications and automotive services for Cheslatta members and residents in the Southbank and Burns Lake areas.


The facility is expected to support skills development in carpentry, automotive maintenance and renewable energy technologies, helping address employment gaps in a region significantly affected by changes in the forestry sector. With more than half of the local workforce historically tied to forestry, mill closures and regulatory shifts have created economic uncertainty. This project aims to support workforce diversification by offering training and certification opportunities in high-demand fields.


“By creating a new multipurpose training and service facility at Danskin Garage, we will be able to provide accessible and affordable education, trade certifications, and automotive services to Cheslatta members and residents in the Southbank and Burns Lake, area,” said Ojay Matias, Director, Partnerships & Development, Cheslatta Contracting LP. “This will help diversify and stabilize our local workforce during industry shifts and provide new services in the area.”

In addition to training, the upgraded garage will improve access to essential automotive and equipment repair services. The project aligns with Cheslatta Carrier Nation’s Comprehensive Community Plan and their broader clean energy park initiative, supporting long-term sustainability, energy independence and inclusive economic development.

The Connaught Youth Centre Society (CYCS) is expanding its food security efforts with the launch of the Northern Fresh Food Centre, supported by Northern Development’s Economic Infrastructure program. Approved on September 9, 2024, the project received $96,666 to use towards enhancing food security in Prince George.

The Northern Fresh Food Centre is an urban farming initiative designed to improve access to fresh, locally grown food in Prince George and surrounding communities. Using an advanced hydroponic system housed in an 8′ x 12′ grow shed, the centre will produce fresh greens year-round. The system can support up to two harvests per month, with eight growing shelves producing as many as 480 plants monthly.

Fresh produce from the centre will be sold to local grocery stores, health food retailers and restaurants, helping to reduce reliance on long-distance food imports while creating new jobs and revenue to support CYCS programming. This initiative represents CYCS’s first social enterprise, with proceeds reinvested to expand services for vulnerable community members, particularly youth.

CYCS has steadily built capacity in local food production over the past decade through community kitchens, raised garden beds, orchards and commercial kitchen investments. The Northern Fresh Food Centre marks the next phase of this work, enabling consistent year-round production.

In addition to strengthening food security, the project offers numerous environmental benefits. Hydroponic farming uses significantly less water and land, produces fewer emissions and is resilient to pests and extreme weather. CYCS also plans to use the facility as a training opportunity, teaching other community groups about hydroponics and its role in community food security and economic development.

The following Northern Development programs will have intakes closing within the next month.

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