Our next staff spotlight introduces Jordan Hammond, Manager, Economic Development. He has spent nearly a decade helping communities and businesses bring their ideas to life through Northern Development’s funding programs. After beginning his journey with the Trust as a Local Government Intern with the Village of Valemount, Jordan has grown into his current role where he supports projects across the Cariboo-Chilcotin/Lillooet and Northwest service regions. Based in Quesnel, he works within the region he serves, allowing him to build strong relationships with local governments, First Nations, businesses and non-profit organizations while gaining firsthand insight into the priorities and opportunities shaping Northern B.C. His experience living and working in communities across the North has only strengthened that connection, bringing valuable perspective to every project he supports.
What does a typical week in your role look like, and what do you enjoy most about it?
Through my role, I work closely with project leads from local and First Nations governments, private businesses and non-profit societies. I provide guidance on our community and business development grant programs, assess project submissions, and prepare information for our decision-making bodies to assist them in making sound funding decisions that support the Trust’s mandate.
Part of what keeps me interested and engaged in my role is the variety and diversity of people that I connect with. Business owners, community volunteers, economic development professionals – all help me to better understand the needs, priorities and challenges ‘on the ground’ in communities. This information then helps the Trust to better align its funding opportunities to the meet these needs.
Is there something about you that might surprise your colleagues or people in our region?
Throughout my adult life, I have lived and worked in many different communities within the Trust’s service region. As a younger man, I spent time in Fort Nelson and Smithers, working seasonal silviculture and recreational trail construction jobs. Looking to take a different career path, I participated in Northern Development’s local government internship program through a placement with the Village of Valemount. Following this, I began my career in economic development with the Cariboo Regional District in Williams Lake.
These experiences have helped to shape my character, strengthen my knowledge of northern communities and build my affinity toward the practice of community economic development. I continue to carry this forward in my current work with communities.
What project or accomplishment are you most proud of? Why?
One project that is top of mind for me is the Northern Secwepemc Cultural Centre in 108 Mile Ranch, owned and operated by the Northern Secwepemc Cultural Society.
I was first introduced to this project when working at the Cariboo Regional District in 2016. At this time, the project was still in the early design stage and seeking grant funding support to eventually construct the museum. I was intrigued and impressed by the project team’s vision to develop a new museum in the south Cariboo designed to display the culture and heritage of the Northern Secwepemc peoples.
Several years later, in my role with the Trust, I was able to work with the Society to assist them in securing a grant of $300,000 from Northern Development toward facility construction. As of today, an incredible building now stands tucked into the hillside adjacent to the 108 Mile Heritage Site, awaiting its opening to the public.
The tenacity and commitment of the project team to turn this initial vision into reality is nothing short of impressive and inspiring. I’m proud of the small role I was able to play to help the project reach this milestone.
What hobbies or interests help you unwind outside of work?
I try to embrace the seasons we have up here in the North and I like getting outside whenever possible. I appreciate time to explore and relax with friends or family, preferably on a lake or in the mountains. I particularly enjoy gravity-fed pastimes – skiing when there is snow on the ground and mountain biking the rest of the year. Northern BC provides many great opportunities for both!
