June 2025 - Newsletter

In this issue

Welcome to June’s newsletter! In the north, June seems to be the month where we can fully believe that summer is upon us – later sunsets, blossoming flowers, kids home from school, and the pace at the office seems to shift just a bit. At Northern Development, we’re enjoying all these things, while continuing to progress towards our goal of being a leader in innovative, inclusive rural development. This includes launching a brand new 16-question business survey.

Summer doesn’t slow down for everyone, including the seven organizations that were approved for grant funding at the end of April. We look forward to seeing these projects progress. In the meantime, continue reading June’s newsletter to discover how some completed projects are benefitting the north.

Until next time,

Ben

Northern Development launched a survey this week for businesses in its service region. This survey creates a new communication channel between all businesses and the organization, to share information from the private sector related to economic development opportunities and challenges. These diverse insights will help inform how the Trust develops and evolves its suite of business development funding programs that align with the Board’s strategic priorities.

Access the survey before June 30, 2025.

“Thank you in advance to all the businesses who take the time to complete our survey – we know you are busy running your business and we appreciate the time investment you made by spending a few minutes sharing your perspective with us,” said Ben Campbell, CEO, Northern Development. “Your comments will be recorded and reviewed as we diligently work to continue to deliver a suite of programs that are informed by the needs of businesses across the region and meet our organizational priorities.”

A year ago, Northern Development’s Board of Directors completed a strategic planning session that resulted in a refreshed three-year strategic plan with new pillars and goals as the organization enters its 20th year of catalyzing economic development in Northern B.C.

The survey is designed for those who access, or wish to access, the Trust’s funding to determine what is working well, where there are opportunities to adjust, and how we work with proponents over the whole lifecycle of the approved funding.

Williams Lake First Nation (WLFN) has made a significant addition to their business portfolio with the successful completion of The Osprey Nest, a modern multi-purpose building on IR6 with views of Williams Lake. On the top floor, WLFN has four fully-furnished lofts that are occupied full-time by medical professionals. The ground floor is home to Osprey Nest Restaurant, offering all-day breakfast and elevated dinner options for dining in and espresso beverages and baked treats for takeout.

“This innovative project demonstrates our ongoing commitment of renewed investment within WLFN reserve lands, the City of Williams Lake, and the greater Cariboo Regional District,” said Chief Willie Sellars, WLFN. “The Osprey Nest is yet another exciting example of the Williams Lake First Nation taking additional steps along our economic development journey.”

The creation of four new rental lofts supports the broader community by providing comfortable housing for temporary medical professionals who are stationed in Williams Lake. This results in increased capacity for medical services in the area for residents and strengthened relationships for WLFN with the Province of BC and Interior Health.

The Osprey Nest Social House and Eatery also serves the community through the provision of carefully crafted cultural meals, coffee, and treats in a trendy and warm environment. Additionally, the restaurant creates new employment opportunities for local residents.

The Osprey Nest joins other WLFN enterprises located on IR6, including the Sugar Cane Cannabis farm-to-gate micro-cultivation facility and Unity Cannabis.

Northern Development invested $300,000 into this project through a Economic Infrastructure grant in 2022. WLFN accessed the maximum amount available through the funding stream, which focuses on supporting projects of regional and local significance that contribute to economic growth and stronger communities. For projects that upgrade or repair an existing facility, the maximum grant amount is $100,000 to a maximum of 70% of the eligible project costs.

Photo: The Canadian Press


On May 27, Monogram Communications was named Small Agency of the Year – Gold by the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS). Founded in 2019 in Prince George, Monogram began as a solo venture and has since expanded to serve clients in a wide array of sectors, including BC Housing, the Canadian Red Cross, Canada Games, many more by a team of employees and collaborators spanning Vancouver Island to P.E.I.


“It was a risk to start a national agency in a more remote location, but after seeing professionals from large cities like Calgary and Vancouver in our region meeting local and industrial communications needs, I took on the challenge to build a collective of professionals who had the education and expertise, and – most importantly – the relationships and relevance to support clients in communities we were from ourselves,” said Alyson Gourley-Cramer, CEO and Founder of Monogram.


In April 2024, Monogram was approved for a $19,500 Competitiveness Consulting Rebate from the Trust to support strategically sustaining their remarkable growth. The boutique communications firm will receive expert support from an external consultant who will help align the fully remote team and create custom processes to support their future growth. A specific focus will be placed on the five core components of their operation: vision, people, data, process, and traction.

The project is forecasted to span 12 months, creating ample opportunity for the consultant to understand the company’s culture and deliver a strategic business plan, detailed quarterly plan for each employee, accountability chart, process documents, and more.

The Competitiveness Consulting Rebate provides a rebate to small and medium sized businesses in eligible industries for customized consulting services that focus on increased resiliency, productivity, revenues, profitability, and/or job creation.

After 100 years of protecting thousands of exhibits and sharing countless stories, the Museum of Northern BC required some upgrades to its security and HVAC systems. To support the $866,292 project budget, the Northern British Columbia Museum Association (NBCMA) successfully applied to Northern Development for a $200,000 Cultural Infrastructure grant. This Spring, the project was completed, setting the museum up for a comfortable summer season of welcoming visitors.

As a collector of world-class artifacts and archival materials, it is essential for NBCMA to have strictly controlled environmental conditions through a reliable HVAC (heating, ventilating, and air conditioning) system. A portion of this project went towards replacing the outdated HVAC system, which was dated and no longer able to be supported with parts or service.

The remainder of the $1.1 million project resulted in the nearly 30-year-old security system being replaced with a modern upgrade. This will protect the invaluable collections and support NBCMA as they carry the responsibility of preserving its collection of Northwest Coast cultural heritage.

Beyond improving the venue as it protects its contents, the two new systems will significantly reduce operational costs as the duo are energy efficient and require less energy to operate. NBCMA plans to repurpose these cost savings to provide more diverse museum programming, including events and exhibits, for visitors and additional employment opportunities for the community.

Northern Development’s Cultural Infrastructure program supports the creation of, or improvement of, arts, heritage, culture, and creative innovation spaces with grants to a maximum of $300,000. Projects that receive funding through the program improve access to professional arts and cultural facilities for residents and visitors.

To support all applicants to the Trust’s funding programs, Northern Development recently created an 11-minute tutorial video. This new resource is available 24/7 and features Jordan Hammond, Manager, Economic Development, as the viewer’s guide through the process.


The video is hosted on Northern Development’s YouTube channel, and is linked to on the online application site and under Funding Process Documents on the Trust’s website.

Northern Development is pleased to announce the promotion of two long-term staff members:

  • Felicia Magee to Senior Director, Economic Development and Programming
  • Kurtis Caston to Director of Finance


“Felicia and Kurtis have consistently made exceptional contributions to Northern Development as an organization and our entire service region during their time at the Trust,” said Ben Campbell, CEO, Northern Development. “Their dedication and expertise is making a tangible difference to our programs and offerings and I look forward to continuing to support their respective growth and development in their new roles.”

Felicia joined Northern Development seven years ago as Business Development Coordinator. In 2019, she was promoted to Director, Business Development. After nearly three years in the role, her title and responsibilities changed to Director, Economic Development.

Kurtis began his time at Northern Development four years ago as a Senior Financial Analyst. In January 2023 he was promoted to Senior Financial Analyst/Manager Partner Programs.