Welcome to our November newsletter! It’s been a busy month here at the Trust as we join organizations from around the north in finishing the year strong. Two weeks ago, we quietly celebrated a milestone – for the first time in recent history, we committed 100% of the annual granting allocation through each of our four regional development accounts. The flowing of these investments into communities throughout Northern B.C. will provide long-lasting and tangible returns throughout the region. Read about the recently approved projects later in this newsletter.
Last month, we introduced two programs through the Rural and Remote Employment Initiative, including the Labour Market Research Plans program. This program is closing December 12, 2025, so be sure to check it out quickly! And if you have any questions or ideas for a project, please do reach out to us.
With that, I encourage you to grab a mug of coffee or cup of tea and enjoy this month’s newsletter. I hope you’re as inspired by the activity in our region as I am.
Northern Development is proud to support Forefront Energy, a Pouce Coupe–based company leading the charge toward cleaner, more efficient energy solutions for the oil and gas sector. Through two approvals under our Business Development suite of programs, Forefront received a combined $80,000 in funding to help refine their business strategy and advance a groundbreaking new clean-energy technology, both with great success.
With $30,000 from the Competitiveness Consulting Rebate, Forefront Energy worked with a professional consultant to develop a comprehensive business strategy. This included an in-depth market analysis, marketing efficiency improvements and a roadmap for sustainable growth. Forefront has already seen results, hiring two new staff in early 2025 and reporting more targeted, deliberate marketing efforts that are paying off in real time.
In 2025, with support from the Northern Industries Innovation Fund, Forefront Energy received an additional $50,000 to finalize and test a new pressure-differential generator, a clean power solution that uses well gas pressure to produce hydraulic pressure and electricity. This innovative technology, combined with the company’s solar and battery technologies, has the potential to eliminate emissions from remote gas well sites entirely.
Forefront’s advancements are not only helping to decarbonize the energy industry, they are also supporting local manufacturing and creating jobs in the Peace Region. They were recently recognized as a semi-finalist in the 2025 Northern Angel Summit, highlighting the company’s growing role as an innovator in Northern B.C.’s clean-tech economy.
Tumbler Ridge is turning the heads of new adventure seekers thanks to an exciting new marketing initiative supported by Northern Development. The Grizzly Valley ATV Club received $12,750 through the Marketing Initiatives program to partner with off-road powersport influencers and showcase the area’s incredible trails and outdoor adventure opportunities.
Working alongside the Tumbler Ridge Outdoor Recreation Association and the District of Tumbler Ridge, the project featured three adrenaline-filled filming events: the ATV Club’s Ostacruiser event, an adventure biking series and the Ridge Riders Snowmobile Club’s 2024 FMX event.
The result of these efforts was a high-energy series of professional videos and teasers produced by Velocity Video Productions Ltd., shared across YouTube, Facebook and Instagram. The Visit Tumbler Ridge YouTube channel alone saw more than 12,000 views on the UTV series alone and nearly 1,000 views on the adventure biking series, with thousands more on Facebook and Instagram.
Additionally, the ATV Club’s membership grew by 57% and online engagement proves that riders from across the country are eager to visit and explore the region’s trails.
Beyond the views and new memberships, these videos serve as long-lasting marketing tools for the ATV Club, the Tumbler Ridge Outdoor Recreation Association and the District of Tumbler Ridge, promoting local recreation, tourism and community pride for years to come.
This month, we’re featuring Samuel Cawkell, Manager of Economic Development at Northern Development Initiative Trust. Passionate about rural innovation and collaboration, Samuel shares what inspired him to join the Trust, the highlights of his work and what continues to motivate him about driving economic growth across Northern BC.
Can you share a bit about your background and what brought you to the Trust? Before joining Northern Development Initiative Trust, I spent nearly five years supporting Vancouver’s Bike Share Program. That experience taught me the importance of developing customized and effectively structured programs to meet the diverse needs of different community groups. I saw firsthand how programs to improve access to convenient and affordable transportation could positively impact local businesses and reduce the equity gap within a city. It sparked my interest in viewing work through a community impact lens. The opportunity to contribute to administering funding programs that support a region as vast and varied as Northern B.C. through the Trust was a natural next step! And an exciting one!
What has been a professional highlight of the past six months? One of the most rewarding aspects has been gaining a deeper understanding of rural economies. These communities are on the front lines of Canada’s resource sectors, driving innovation and advancing sustainability in industries like forestry, mining, oil and gas, fisheries and aquaculture. Despite facing unique challenges, rural areas consistently demonstrate resilience and adaptability. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to rural development, and that’s what makes these communities both dynamic and essential to B.C.’s future.
What project or accomplishment are you most proud of? Why? One standout project for me is Tourism PG’s Nanguz ‘an Market in downtown Prince George. This container market offers a creative solution to the common challenge of finding affordable retail space for entrepreneurs and small businesses. I have friends who’ve struggled with the high costs of commercial space, so seeing this market come to life was especially meaningful. It’s now a vibrant hub filled with music, community and connection. Watching people gather and engage in a space that supports local business and brings people together is exactly what I love about this work.
How have you grown professionally since joining Northern Development? My work at the Trust gives me the opportunity to have conversations with business owners from across the region and one of the most rewarding parts of my job is seeing the opportunities that come from knowledge sharing. If I’ve learned anything from working with the business community, it’s that the learning never stops. Challenges are complex, the people we serve are diverse and things are always changing. The best way forward is to show up curious, ready to listen and open to being wrong.
What initially drew you to non-profit economic development work in Northern B.C.? While it wasn’t what initially brought me to this field, it’s supporting non-profits that keeps me motivated to continue the work. Non-profits play a huge role in shaping vibrant and inclusive communities by creating opportunities in arts and culture, recreation, education, and support for underrepresented groups. Providing funding to help these organizations grow and become more sustainable is incredibly rewarding, especially when you see the lasting impact they have in the places we call home.
What advice or message would you share with someone who wants to make a difference through economic development work? Don’t be afraid to make mistakes because they are part of the process. What matters most is how you respond. Be open, honest and willing to learn. Integrity means having tough conversations and taking responsibility when things don’t go as planned. If you approach this work with curiosity and a commitment to growth, you’ll make a meaningful impact.
Tumbler Ridge Pump Track, previously supported by NDIT
The Northern Development Board of Directors have approved 10 grants during the final intake of the 2025 year. These decisions represent $1.7 million in external funding being infused into community projects from Tumbler Ridge to Taku River Tlilngit First Nation to strengthen local and regional economies and increase liveability.
For the first time in the Trust’s 20-year history, 100% of the annual granting allocation through each of the four regional development accounts – Northeast, Northwest, Prince George and Cariboo Chilcotin/Lillooet – has been committed to proponents through the Trust’s suite of Community Development and Housing Incentive programs.
The projects approved at the recent Board of Directors meeting are: Cheslatta Contracting LP: $150,000 for their Danskin Garage and Training Centre project City of Quesnel: $18,571 for their #SkiNorthBC project District of Vanderhoof: $96,000 for their MarDel Place Seniors Housing project Kwadacha Nation: $224,725 for their Commercial Kitchen Upgrade project Lake Point Golf and Country Club: $78,139 for their Irrigation Replacement project Nazko First Nation: $269,402 for their Stump Lake Cultural Site Development project Taku River Tlinlngit First Nation: $166,297 for their Community Exercise Gym project Tumbler Ridge Mountain Bike Association: $279,094 for their Tumbler Ridge Mountain Bike Trail – Ridge – Phase 2 project West Moberly First Nations: $281,600 for their Dunne-Za Lodge Resort and Cabin Upgrades project YMCA BC: $150,000 for their Prince George YMCA Facility Enhancement project
The next funding application deadline is for the internships programs, with host governments needing to apply by December 15, 2025 to indicate their readiness to host an intern in 2026. Businesses can apply for funding through the Business Development programs at any time, as those programs have a continuous intake to better meet the needs and rhythms of business.
Quotes: Ben Campbell, CEO, Northern Development “Our third and final grant intake cycle of 2025 has come to a close and it is thrilling to see the types of projects applicants are embarking on to support their community’s resilience. The need for our reliable and accessible funding continues be demonstrated by communities and non-profits through conversations and investments into tangible projects. The entire team at Northern Development looks forward to seeing this efforts progress and their benefits be recognized.”
Ojay Matias, Director, Partnerships & Development, Cheslatta Contracting LP “We’re grateful to learn of the success of our first-ever funding application to Northern Development. 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. This will help diversify and stabilize our local workforce during industry shifts and provide new services in the area.”
Curtis Miedzinski, president, Tumbler Ridge Mountain Bike Association “Digging in to working on Phase Two of our Ridge trail network is an excellent continuation of the momentum we developed through our trail master plan. This specific phase will result in one new uphill trail and five new downhill trails, with a range of features and difficulty levels, creating new opportunities for riders of truly all abilities to access and enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds Tumbler Ridge. We are aligning with the District of Tumbler Ridge’s identification of adventure tourism being a key pillar of its economic development plan, and we know that this will increase tourism revenue and resident attraction and retention.”
Amanda Alexander, Chief Health Equity and Operating Officer, YMCA BC “With these improvements to our heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems, our valued members, program participants, staff and volunteers will have an even more enjoyable experience from the moment they walk through the doors at the Prince George Family YMCA. These upgrades will contribute to our ongoing investments in our infrastructure, ensuring our facilities and spaces continue to meet the growing needs of everyone we proudly serve in Northern BC.”
