May 2026 - Newsletter

On April 29, 2026, Northern Development held its Annual General Meeting and spring Board meeting in Prince George, where Margo Wagner was acclaimed as chair of the Northern Development Board of Directors for another term. The executive committee was also acclaimed for another term, continuing the leadership team guiding the Trust’s work across Northern B.C.

Wagner was first elected as chair of Northern Development in 2019 and serves as chair of the Cariboo Regional District and director of Area H, representing Forest Grove, Gateway, Bradley and Buffalo Creek, Ruth, Hawkins, Canim, Mahood and Hendrix Lakes.

The Northern Development Board Executive Committee is as follows:
Margo Wagner – chair
Barry Pages, chair, North Coast Regional District – vice chair
Julie Ziebart, provincial appointee – finance committee chair
Dan Rose, director, Peace River Regional District – committee member

The directors at large are:
Lara Beckett, chair, Regional District Fraser Fort George
Doug Donaldson, provincial appointee
Rob Fraser, mayor, Northern Rockies Regional Municipality
Julie Maitland, mayor, District of New Hazelton
Mark Parker, chair, Regional District Bulkley Nechako
Wayne Plenert, provincial appointee
Fred Sam, provincial appointee
Jim Smith, director, Thompson-Nicola Regional District
Chief Leah Stump, provincial appointee

The Board also approved Northern Development’s 2025 Annual Report, marking the Trust’s 20th anniversary year. The report highlights another strong year of investment and activity across Northern B.C.

Annual Report highlights include:

• $50,016,235 approved for 381 projects
• 12.0 per cent return on investment
• $12,651,144 approved through core funding programs
• $37,365,091 approved through partner programs
• 20 years of investment in Northern B.C. communities

View the full 2025 Annual Report and current Board of Directors on Northern Development’s website.

Quotes:

Margo Wagner, chair, Northern Development

“It’s an honour to be reappointed as chair of Northern Development and to continue working alongside such a dedicated Board representing communities from across Northern B.C. We’re dedicated to supporting the work happening throughout the region, stimulating community resiliency and entrepreneurial creativity and I look forward to the upcoming year!”

Ben Campbell, CEO, Northern Development

“Our Annual General Meeting and is an opportunity to reflect on the work accomplished over the past year and that our Board is strongly poised to provide strategic guidance for future work. This year’s Annual Report is especially meaningful as it showcases 20 years of supporting communities across Northern B.C. and continuing to invest in projects that strengthen the region over the long term.”

This May we meet Tess Elo, whose career with Northern Development has grown alongside the organization itself. Since first joining the Trust in 2005 as a casual office assistant, Tess progressed through several finance roles before becoming Manager of Financial Services in 2021. Known for her organization, analytical approach, and keen eye for detail, Tess is also a dedicated supporter of the team, regularly sharing her knowledge and helping keep projects and financial operations running smoothly within the organization. She has spent two decades contributing to Northern Development’s work and has had the opportunity to see firsthand the impact the Trust continues to have on the region.

Can you share a bit about your background and how have you grown professionally since joining Northern Development?

On April 15, 2026 I celebrated my 15^th anniversary working for Northern Development as a permanent employee.

Manager of Financial Services (2021-Present)

Senior Financial Analyst (2015-2021)

Accounting Coordinator (2011-2015)

Finance and Accounting Assistant (part-time, 2010-2011)

Office Assistant (casual, 2005-2010)

Since starting at the Trust, I am very proud of the professional growth and skills I’ve developed and am grateful for all I’ve learned, working with such amazing people, both inside and outside the organization. While working at the Trust, I completed my Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting and Finance, through the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC). The north has always been where I’ve called home. I grew up in Vanderhoof and have lived in Prince George for over 20 years. It has been rewarding be a part of the Trust and see the organization grow and the impact it has in every community across our region.

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

I appreciate the variety of my role which includes accounting, payments, month end, payroll, budgeting, working with proponents, reviewing contracts and claims, and more. I enjoy seeing the success of projects and the amazing work being done across Northern B.C.

What hobbies or interests help you unwind outside of work?

Outside of work I recharge by spending time with family, friends and my dog Bella. Recently I purchased a house and have been spending my time settling into the new space. In the summer you’ll find me taking my travel trailer camping, playing games, and relaxing by the lake and the fire. I’ll also head out to the Terrace area a few times to spend time with my partner who is a fishing guide, and I’ll go to the Okanagan for a week to enjoy the lake, Penticton Canal, and visit family. When I was younger, we would go fishing in Haida Gwaii and I try and get back every there few years to visit family that now call it home. My favourite sunny getaway is Yelapa, Mexico which is laid-back, has no cars, and is very walkable.

Theatre NorthWest is expanding its reach as a cornerstone of professional theatre in Northern B.C., with support from Northern Development’s Marketing Initiatives program. Based in Prince George, the organization is adapting a marketing approach to attract new audiences and strengthen its role as a regional destination.

With $8,240 in funding toward a $16,480 project, Theatre NorthWest has launched a targeted gift card campaign designed to appeal to a broader audience across Northern B.C. The initiative includes a holiday campaign and a spring campaign timed around Mother’s Day, along with promotion of season passes for the 2026 to 2027 season. Advertising will run across television, radio, print and social media, reaching communities including Vanderhoof, Mackenzie, McBride, Williams Lake and Fort St. James. By shifting beyond traditional single-show promotions, the campaign positions theatre as a shared experience that can be given and enjoyed together. It also supports efforts to attract visitors to Prince George, offering audiences from surrounding communities a reason to plan a trip around a night at the theatre.

“The support from Northern Development has really helped us try something new with how we market our shows,” said Marnie Hamagami, artistic producer, Theatre NorthWest. “We’re looking at ways to bring more people in, whether that’s locals who haven’t been before or others visiting from nearby communities and make it easier for them to experience live theatre, especially around times like Mother’s Day when people are looking for something meaningful to do together.”

By positioning Theatre NorthWest as a cultural destination, the project is expected to increase ticket sales and drive visitation from communities that may not have local theatre programming. It also builds on ongoing partnerships with tourism organizations to highlight the value of arts and culture in supporting regional economies.

As Theatre NorthWest continues its 2026 season, including its current production of Murder on the Orient Express, running April 23^rd – May 20^th, this initiative supports ongoing efforts to connect northern audiences with high-quality, local theatre experiences.

What started as a community idea has taken shape as a new outdoor amenity in the Bella Coola valley. With strong local support and contributions from volunteers and partners, the Bella Coola Disc Sports Club (BCDSC) has opened a new disc golf course, creating more opportunities for residents and visitors to get outside and stay active.

Supported by the Community Places program, the project transformed space within Snootli Creek Regional Park into an eight-hole disc golf course, Funding of $23,906 contributed to a $38,408 project that included the installation of tree pads, baskets and signage, turning an underutilized area into an accessible and welcoming place.

“This was something the community really got behind from the beginning,” said Josh Wulfekotte, president, (BCDSC). “It’s been amazing to see how many people contributed their time, skills and support to make happen. It’s super rewarding when folks tell us about playing with their families and friends, often for the first time. We think the Valley and visitors will enjoy the use of this course for many years to come.”

The project reflects broad local collaboration, with support from community organizations, local businesses and technical experts who contributed professional services, equipment and donations. Nearly 360 hours were spent on installation and 150 hours in administration and planning work to complete the project.

As it was built on the unceded territory of the Nuxalk people, environmental and archaeological considerations were incorporated through collaboration with local stewardship groups, ensuring the project was developed responsibly. The site, known as Snut’li, holds cultural significance and was once home to several thriving communities. The project team worked to ensure the course respects the land and encourages visitors to be mindful of its history and importance.

The new disc golf course addresses a gap in accessible, low-cost recreation in the region while supporting health, wellness and community connection. It is expected to provide long-term benefits by encouraging outdoor activity and offering a space that can be enjoyed by all ages and skill levels. Now open to the public, the Snootli Creek Disc Golf Course stands as a testament to what can be achieved through local initiative.

As visitors return to outdoor destinations across the Cariboo this spring, Cedar Point Park in Likely received a refreshed look that brought life back to its historic displays. With support from Northern Development’s Community Places program, the Likely and District Chamber of Commerce led a project to restore and revitalize the park’s outdoor mining museum, helping ensure it continues to welcome visitors for years to come.

Located along Quesnel Lake, Cedar Point Park has long been a well-loved campground, known for its old-growth cedars and scenic lakeside setting. Over time, it has also become a destination for those interested in the region’s history, serving as a central stop along the Gold Rush corridor that connects communities like Barkerville Historic Town and the broader Gold Rush Trail. With $20,125 in funding toward a $30,854 project, the initiative focused on restoring aging infrastructure and improving safety while preserving the authenticity of the site.

The need for the project became clear as visitor feedback highlighted the condition of the displays in one of the community’s main attractions. As a destination that draws campers, history enthusiasts and travellers exploring the region, maintaining the quality of Cedar Point Park remains important to supporting tourism in Likely.

Work included cleaning and repainting antique mining equipment such as a steam shovel and steam engine, repairing and replacing wooden structures, updating signage and revitalizing existing mining features and passages. Wherever possible, locally milled and salvaged wood was used, maintaining the character of the displays while addressing wear that had begun to impact both safety and visitor experience.

By restoring these heritage features, the project helps to preserve an important piece of the Cariboo’s mining history while enhancing the visitor experience. It also supports the local economy by encouraging travellers to stop, stay and explore the area.