The Nechako Kitamaat Development Fund Society (NKDF) board of directors have recently approved funding for a number of projects in Burns Lake, the Southside and Vanderhoof.
A total of $28,004 has been awarded to the Regional District of Bulkley Nechako to assist with installation of a pager repeater tower and system for the Southside area.
The system is necessary to boost the reception and pager coverage across the entire protection area and to link the pager service with the up and coming 911 service.
NKDF also approved a total of $39,970 for the Francois Tchesinket Recreation Commission which will assist the commission with a number of upgrades to the Francois Hall. The lakes District Film Society were granted $10,850 to assist with upgrades to the Beacon Theatre.
The Nechako Valley Sporting Association received $22,768 to assist with purchasing automated clay pigeon throwers which will position the club to be able to attract more locals and visitors to competitions and shooting events.
The College of New Caledonia Nechako Campus received $16,200 to assist with purchasing two flight simulators for the purpose of training pilots for employment in Northern Canadian air charter operations.NKDF also approved a total of $56,250 for Community Futures Nadina to use for the 'Enterprising Artisans project.'
Community Futures Nadina say project will increase the profile of local artisans along the western corridor by building a marketing and distribution system and an online portal.
NKDF Society chair Bob Clark said, “The NKDF Society is honoured to be able to partner with the community members that work so hard to bring projects to fruition.”
"This funding is important to these groups and allows them to continue to provide services for the community," says Nechako Lakes MLA John Rustad. "Whether the funding goes towards improving safety, facility upgrades or recreation equipment, the people in the community are the ones that benefit," he added.
Colleen Nyce, Rio Tinto Alcan manager of corporate affairs and community relations said, “Congratulations to the recipients of this round of funding from NKDF."
She went on to say, “These are all great projects that will provide a terrific economic and social boost for the region."
The Nechako Kitamaat Development Fund Society was jointly established in 1997 with a combined contribution of $15 million by the government of British Columbia and the former Alcan Inc., now known as Rio Tinto Alcan.
The fund’s investment area includes lands impacted by the original Kemano project and focuses on those communities in the Nechako and Haisla regions of the North.
The society encourages applications from local governments and legally incorporated non-profit organizations.
NKDF invests in projects that create sustainable employment, diversify the economy, and improve the basic infrastructure needed for community stability, quality of life and growth.The total approved funding from NKDF to community groups and organizations for this fiscal year is $428,384.
For more information on the NKDF Society visit www.nkdf.org.