March 2025 - Newsletter

Northern Development first connected with Open Waters Solar in 2019 when CEO Simon Angus applied for a $50,000 Northern Industries Innovation Fund (NIIF) rebate. The funding supported the design and manufacturing of a high-performance sailing catamaran that could be shipped in a 40-foot container.

“This project was filled with learnings and challenges, and we’re grateful for the support we received from Northern Development and other funders,” said Angus. “In the end, we exceeded our expectations and are proud to offer a premiere catamaran to a wide range of sailing enthusiasts.”

Building on the success of the carbon fiber sailboat, Open Waters Solar expanded its focus to composite embedded solar panels with integrated electronics. In 2022, they secured a second $50,000 NIIF rebate to advance research and development in this area. Initially aimed at marine and RV applications, the project pivoted to a larger opportunity—refrigerated trailers, which consume over 13 billion liters of diesel annually for cooling systems.

“Northern Development believed in our startup when not many others did,” said Angus. “Why trust a small startup in Prince George to have such a revolutionary product? But they did their due diligence. Thanks to their support, we are now rapidly growing, with a new production facility underway in Prince George and immediate plans for an even larger one.”

The company’s breakthrough composite solar panel technology is a game-changer for mobile applications, particularly in refrigerated transport, offering a sustainable alternative to diesel-powered cooling.

“Prince George and Northern B.C. are home to incredible people—skilled, hardworking, and perfectly suited for large-scale technical manufacturing,” Angus added. “This initiative has been crucial in helping Open Waters Solar get to where we are today. Not just through financial assistance but through business support, development, connections, and even unlocking other funding opportunities. They didn’t just help us grow; they helped us become a better business.”

Open Waters Solar received further recognition in September 2024 when the Province of B.C. committed $450,000 through the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund (BCMJF). The funding will allow the company to retrofit its facility with advanced, automated equipment, scaling its new product line to full commercialization. This expansion will help Open Waters Solar enter new markets while creating 20 full-time jobs.

The Roe Lake and District Recreation Commission received a $16,813 Community Places grant from Northern Development to complete outdoor pickleball courts adjacent to the Interlakes Community Centre in Bridge Lake.

During the summer of 2023, two pickleball courts were constructed on a portion of the commission’s six-acre parcel of land. The project involved excavation and the installation of a 60-foot by 60-foot asphalt pad. Volunteers then spent hours lining, painting, and fencing the two courts to make them playable for the community.

To finalize the project, the courts were professionally coated with a Plexipave surface to improve playability, and seating and signage will be installed.

Pickleball, one of North America’s fastest-growing sports, requires minimal investment to play and fosters community engagement. Before the outdoor courts were available, residents were limited to playing on a single indoor court. Since the new courts opened, local participation has surged from 958 players in 2022 to 1,433 by the end of 2023, highlighting the sport’s increasing popularity. The outdoor courts are the only dedicated pickleball courts available to residents and visitors along the Highway 24 corridor and are free to use outside of scheduled programming.

“The funding from Northern Development has been a game-changer for our community, allowing the enhancement of the pickleball courts at the Interlakes Community Centre,” said Crista Herod, program coordinator. “It’s provided a dedicated space for pickleball players to come together, stay active, and build connections, all while boosting the overall health and vibrancy of our community.”

With the courts seeing heavy use last year, there is already excitement building for the return of outdoor play as soon as the snow clears.

In 2021, Northern Development also provided funding for the resurfacing of pickleball courts in the District of Mackenzie with a $24,500 Community Places grant.

“The District of Mackenzie is very appreciative for the continued support from Northern Development Trust. The funds received to resurface an existing tennis court to accommodate both tennis and pickleball has allowed us to provide another option promoting health and wellness,” said Mayor Joan Atkinson. “As we all know pickleball has become one of the fastest growing activities, primarily because it is accessible to all ages. We are very grateful to NDIT for helping us promote another opportunity for our residents to connect with each other.”

Other Pickleball Projects Funded by Northern Development:

$30,000 Community Places grant (2024) – Creation of four outdoor pickleball courts in Dawson Creek as part of a multi-use outdoor facility.

$40,721 Recreation Infrastructure grant (2022) – Resurfacing of pickleball courts at the Prince George Tennis Club.

Organized by the Skeena River Métis Community Association, the Skeena Valley Country Music Festival is an annual celebration held in Thornhill, B.C, that showcases the rich heritage of country music and Métis culture.

Northern Development has provided funding for the Skeena Valley Country Music Festival seven times since 2016 through the Fabulous Festivals and Events program. In 2024, the Skeena River Métis Community Association applied for and received a $2,500 grant. The event was held August 16 to 18 where attendees were treated to performances by musicians from across Canada, including traditional Métis fiddle music, creating an engaging and culturally enriching experience.

Beyond the musical performances, the festival offers a variety of activities such as children’s events, silent auctions, and opportunities for community engagement. On-site amenities often include free RV camping and food concessions, making it convenient for attendees to immerse themselves fully in the festivities. The event not only entertains but also strengthens community bonds by supporting local businesses, artisans, and charitable organizations, thereby enhancing the cultural fabric of the Skeena Valley region.