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.”
