2017 April-June Quarterly Report

APRIL / MAY / JUNE

- 2017 QUARTERLY REPORT

BY THE NUMBERS $164.9 million invested into 2,720 projects since 2005 $11.5 million approved for 366 projects to date in 2017 $50.8 million leveraged so far in 2017 as new project investment for the region $10.5 million invested into 310 First Nations projects since 2005 $27.1 million approved for 309 projects to help communities recover from the Mountain Pine Beetle epidemic since 2005 $1.36 billion leveraged from 1,127 funding partners as new project investment to build a stronger north

2017 PROJECT APPROVALS TO DATE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS

Northern B.C. is home to many well-used and well-loved community facilities, important capital assets, and signature festivals and events.

Improving, expanding and developing these regional assets can help to attract business and major industry, as well as increase the ability to host events and attract tourists to the region.

BUSINESS FACADE IMPROVEMENT Northern Development provides annual grant funding for municipalities and regional districts throughout central and northern B.C. to encourage private sector investment in local business improvement. Visual improvements such as facades, signage, murals, architectural features, siding, lighting and awnings can enhance economic viability and the vibrancy of northern communities. The improvements can support the recruitment of new businesses and/or residents, and even increase the tax base as a result of increased assessed values of improved properties.

ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION INFRASTRUCTURE This program provides up to $250,000 in funding for municipalities, regional districts, First Nations and non-profit organizations in the region for projects that significantly strengthen the local economy via a major capital investment.

The program specifically targets funding for public multi-use facilities or capital investments that drive revenue and job creation and provide a long-term asset for the community.

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION MATCHING GRANT This program provides communities with up to $50,000 to assist with the establishment of a dedicated endowment within a registered community foundation The funds can then be used to provide grants for community and social enhancement in the community area.

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2017 as of June 30 Cariboo-Chilcotin/Lillooet Region Northwest Region Northeast Region Prince George Region Total

# Communities

$ Approved

9

$190,000

10

$200,000

2

$40,000

6

$120,000

28

$550,000

2017 as of June 30 Cariboo-Chilcotin/Lillooet Region Northwest Region Northeast Region Prince George Region Total

# Projects

$ Approved

7

$788,782

7

$979,780

2

$437,500

2

$195,705

18

$2,401,767

2017 as of June 30 Cariboo-Chilcotin/Lillooet Region Northwest Region Northeast Region Prince George Region Total

# Communities

$ Approved

1

$50,000

-

-

-

-

1

$25,000

2

$75,000

HAT’S OFF TO HISTORIC HAT CREEK Historic Hat Creek is a long standing heritage attraction near Cache Creek that commemorates the Cariboo gold rush days. A new gift shop and admissions building was built to help generate ongoing revenue, improve accessibility, deal with visitor congestion issues and improve safety. Additionally, the former gift shop is being turned into a rental meeting space that can accommodate 20 people with full catering from the restaurant.

21,000 people visited the site in 2016 and with the improvements that number is only expected to climb. Northern Development contributed $200,000 for the $345,000 project and have recently approved another $200,000 for a campground expansion on site.

GEOSCIENCE SURVEY TAKING TO THE SKY Northern Development Initiative Trust and Geoscience BC have partnered on an aerial survey to identify hidden mineral potential in north central and northeastern British Columbia. Called Search Phase III, the survey will use helicopters fitted with magnetic sensors to build a better understanding of geology in the area, and will help communities make informed decisions about responsible development and investment in BC. This includes helping explorers to decide where to focus their mining efforts which will eventually lead to on-the-ground exploration activities, job creation and stimulate regional economic activity. The project is funded in part

by Northern Development Initiative Trust’s Economic Development Infrastructure program with a $250,000 grant.

BUILDING BARKERVILLE INTO A WINTER RECREATION SITE 2016 saw ribbon cuttings for the Shamrock Tube Run as well as for an improved visitor reception and outdoor activity centre, providing fun winter recreation, food, gifts and a place to warm up in the winter months. Next up for this world-class historic site is the addition of cottages allowing visitors to actually stay on site year round. To better meet the needs of recreational tourists that use Barkerville and the surrounding area, six three-bedroom cottages will encourage multi-day stays and larger tour groups. Northern Development has committed $250,000 for the development of the cottages, which is additional to more than $260,000 invested into marketing and other winter recreation projects.

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FABULOUS FESTIVALS & EVENTS This program provides non-profit organizations with up to $2,500 in grant funding to support unique events and festivals throughout the region that generate destination tourism-based service sector revenues for the local economy.

2017 as of June 30 Cariboo-Chilcotin/Lillooet Region Northwest Region Northeast Region Prince George Region Total

# Events

$ Approved

14

$35,000

12

$29,290

9

$22,500

9

$22,500

44

$109,290

NEW = Newly funded projects this quarter

2017 Funded Fabulous Festivals and Events

NEW Cutting Horse Show

Quesnel

Jul 29-30

Quesnel

Aug 4-6

Gold Rush Mail Run

Wells

Jan 27-29

Skyfest

Coldsnap Winter Music Festival

Prince George

Feb 3-11

NEW Kiskatinaw Fall Fair

Polar Carnival

Logan Lake

Feb 11

NEW Grizfest Music Festival

Tumbler Ridge

Aug 4-6

Winterfest

Bridge River Valley

Feb 11

ArtsWells Festival of All Things Art

Wells

Aug 4-7

Riverboat Days

Terrace

Aug 4-13

Northern BC Wine Festival

Prince George

Feb 18

Tlell

Aug 6

Kitimaat Open Basketball Tournament

NEW Fall Fair

Kitimat

Mar 31-Apr 2

Big Pig Mountain Biking Festival

Burns Lake

Aug 11-13

NEW Lytton Block Party

Lytton

May 19

Robson Valley Music Festival

Robson Valley

Aug 11-13

150th Clinton Annual Ball

Clinton

May 20

Edge of the World Music Festival

Haida Gwaii

Aug 11-13

NEW Bright Nights in June

Fort Nelson

Jun 7-10

Desert Daze Festival

Aug 11-12

NEW International Chainsaw Carving Championships

Spences Bridge

Chetywnd

Jun 8-11

Terrace

Aug 11-13

NEW Seafest

NEW Skeena Valley Country Music Festival

Prince Rupert

Jun 9 - 11

NEW Sweetwater 905 Festival

Aug 12

Jun 16-18

NEW Emperor’s Challenge

Tumbler Ridge

Rolla

NEW Mile Zero Summer Cruise

Aug 18-20

Jul 7

NEW Music on the Meadow Festival

Fort St. James

Dawson Creek

Aug 18 - 20

Prince George

Jul 7-8

NEW Nechako Valley Exhibition

Vanderhoof

BMO KidzArt Dayz

Aug 24-27

Quesnel

Jul 13-16

NEW Bulkley Valley Exhibition

Smithers

Billy Barker Days Festival

Lytton River Festival

Lytton

Sep 1-3

White Swan Music Festival

Fraser Lake

Jul 15-16

Downtown Summerfest

Prince George

Jul 16

Gold Country Geocache Event

NEW Loggers Sports Day

Sandspit

Jul 21

Cache Creek/ Ashcroft/Logan Sep 1-4 Lake

NEW Apricot Tsaq’wem Festival

Lillooet

Jul 21-23

Wild Harvest Festival

Sandspit

Sep 8-9

NEW International Airshow

Fort St John

Jul 22-23

Harvest Festival

Chetwynd

Sep 9

Discovery Coast Music Festival

Bella Coola

Jul 22-23

NEW Harvest Festival

Lillooet

Sep 9

Jul 28 -30

Fraser Heritage Festival

Robson Valley

Sep 29-Oct 1

Kispiox Valley Music Festival

Aug 4-6

CANADA ISN’T THE ONLY ONE CELEBRATING 150 YEARS The Clinton Annual Ball celebrates the history and culture of the South Cariboo. 2017 marked the 150th ball, making it the longest running event of its kind in Canada. The Smiths, owners of the Clinton Hotel, hosted the first ball to help residents through the long 19th century winters. Guests arrived by horse and buggy from all parts of the province and beyond. Today, to honour of the historic significance of the event, guests attend in period costume or formal attire, feast on a fabulous three course dinner and dance the night away. Northern Development is proud to have supported this unique and very popular event with a $2,500 grant through the Fabulous Festivals and Events program.

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COMMUNITY HALLS & RECREATION FACILITIES This program provides local governments, First Nations and registered non-profits with a maximum of $30,000 in funding to improve, expand or develop facilities throughout the region.

NEW = Newly funded projects this quarter

Cariboo-Chilcotin/Lillooet Region

Northwest Region Dock Replacement

Alice Arm

$30,000

Child Development Centre Public Space Bulkley Valley

$27,000

Community Hall

Dease Lake

$15,000

Sacred Headwaters Elders and Youth Centre

Iskut

$15,000

70 Mile Community Hall

70 Mile House

$18,938

Waterfront Shelter/Gazebo

Granisle

$30,000

Drylands Arena Energy Upgrades

Ashcroft

$30,000

Houston Legion Electrical

Houston

$29,682

Ball Fields

Barlow Creek

$60,000

Fair Grounds

Lakes District

$45,000

NEW Recreation Complex

Bouchie Lake

$29,500

Community Hall Roof

Lobelco

$30,000

NEW Pioneer Museum

Bralorne

$30,000

Baseball Bleacher

Port Clements

$14,000

NEW Gun Lake Boat Launch

Bridge River Valley

$13,107

Recreation Complex Accessibility

Prince Rupert

$15,000

NEW Low Mobility Wilderness Trail Network

Community Hall

Telkwa

$10,264

Cariboo RD

$30,000

Rugby Facility

Terrace

$30,000

Fitness Room

Clinton

$12,000

Terrace Peaks Gymnastics Facility

Terrace

$30,000

Curling Rink Roof

Forest Grove

$30,000

13 projects

$320,946

Emergency Operations Centre and Public Meeting Hall

Logan Lake

$30,000

Seniors’ Centre Kitchen

Quesnel

$11,650

North Wind Wellness Centre

Dawson Creek

$30,000

Child Development Centre Accessibility

Quesnel

$26,200

Ski Chalet Facility

Dawson Creek

$30,000

Tillicum Society Friendship Centre

Quesnel

$30,000

NEW Walter Wright Pioneer Village

Dawson Creek

$9,126

Soccer Complex Circulating Fans

Quesnel

$15,163

NEW Arena Two

Quesnel

$30,000

NEW South Peace Motorsports Tower and Security Fence

Dawson Creek

$47,839

NEW Lewis Drive Rink

Quesnel

$30,000

Snowmobile Club Safety Cabin

Fort Nelson

$14,733

Xat’sull Heritage Village Trails

Soda Creek

$30,000

Northern Lamplighters Exterior

Fort Nelson

$30,000

Snowmobile Club Trail

Wells

$30,000

Wells/Barkerville ATV Trail Connector

Wells

$30,000

Poplar Hills Golf Cart Shed and Patio Furniture

Fort Nelson

$30,000

NEW Golf and Tennis Club Driving Range

Williams Lake

$30,000

NEW Elks Lodge Hall

Fort Nelson

$49,331

Foam Pit

Fort St John

$46,200

Fort St John

$30,000

4H Washhouse

Northeast Region

Williams Lake

$29,295

NEW Charlie Lake Boat Launch Ramp

21 projects

$575,853

NEW Arena Flooring

Hudson’s Hope

$30,000

Double H Saddle Club

Hudson’s Hope

$24,008

NEW Pool Disinfection System

Tumbler Ridge

$30,000

NEW Community Hall Roof

Wonowon

$13,000

14 projects

$414,237

STORMING NEW SPEEDBALL BATTLEFIELDS Unlike traditional paintball fields (bushball) that are typically located in heavily wooded areas, speedball fields are open, level fields, making the game more conducive to competitive play and spectator viewing.

Thanks in part to a $9,500 grant from Northern Development, the Northern Strike Paintball Association in Quesnel has built two new speedball fields that are ideal for hosting competitive tournaments and events with teams throughout the province and beyond.

The existing paintball park is well used by locals and visitors outside the region, and it is now expected to be busier than ever as they gear up for Skyfest, Billy Barker Days and other local destination tourism events.

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Prince George Region Murray Ridge Trail

Fort St James

$60,000

MOTOCROSS MANIA- LET’S RIDE!

Recreation Complex and Visitor Centre Parking Lot

Fraser Lake

$30,000

NEW Arena Dressing Room

Fraser Lake

$30,000

Nearly 3,500 spectators, 100 professional and 300 amateur competitors hit Prince George in June for the Rockstar Energy Drink Motocross Nationals.

Little Mac Multipurpose Trail Route

Mackenzie

$26,680

Cardio Room Equipment

Mackenzie

$30,000

Weight Room

Mackenzie

$19,316

Cicada Ball Diamonds

Mackenzie

$30,000

Arena Ice Plant

Mackenzie

$30,000

Recreation Centre Pool

Mackenzie

$30,000

NEW Outdoor Event Space

Mackenzie

$30,000

NEW Pool Boiler

Mackenzie

$30,000

NEW Curling Equipment

Mackenzie

$13,934

Fish and Game Association Range

Mackenzie

$30,000

Golf and Country Club Equipment

Mackenzie

$18,800

NEW Nordiques Cross Country Snow Groomer

Mackenzie

$30,000

NEW Trail Equipment Shed and Workshop

Mackenzie

$18,000

NEW Morfee Mountain Cabin

Mackenzie

$30,000

NEW Legion Exterior and Insulation

Mackenzie

$30,000

Blackwater Motocross Trail

Prince George

$60,000

AiMHi Gym and Conference Centre

Prince George

$30,000

NEW Wheelchair Rugby Equipment

Prince George

$30,000

Playhouse Modernization

Prince George

$30,000

CN Centre Carpet and Chairs

Prince George

$30,000

Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park Pavillion

Prince George

$30,000

NEW Rolling Mix Concrete Arena Compressor

Prince George

$30,000

NEW Elkscentre Arena Accessibility

Prince George

$30,000

NEW Kin 3 Arena Seating

Prince George

$30,000

NEW Civic Centre Sound System

Prince George

$19,329

Elder Citizens Recreation Centre Kitchen Prince George

$30,000

Kinsmen Hall Roof

Prince George

$30,000

Pineview Hall Addition

Prince George

$30,000

Honey Shuttle Bike Trail

Prince George

$30,000

Bike Park Expansion

Prince George

$30,000

Fish Hatchery Building

Prince George

$30,000

NEW Cariboo Lakes Backcountry Cabin

Robson Valley

$30,000

NEW Community Centre Tables and Chairs

Robson Valley

$30,000

NEW Peak and Teare Mountain Bike Trail Network Connection

Robson Valley

$14,366

Bike Park Phase 3

Valemount

$30,000

Curling Club

Valemount

$29,650

OK Cafe

Vanderhoof

$30,000

NEW Exhibition Fairground Water Management

Vanderhoof

$30,000

41 projects

$1,210,075

NEW = Newly funded projects this quarter

The Blackwater Motocross Association secured a three year contract to host the competition thanks in part to nearly $90,000 worth of improvements to the local track.

Improvements included widening the track, adding sand (A LOT of sand), and purchasing new equipment to help groom the track.

“After 26 years of moto in Prince George, today is the day,”said club president, Andrew Forbes. “Finally we have national level racing in PG. One word for the track... amazing!”

Northern Development provided $60,000 toward the project through the Community Halls and Recreation Facility program.

“The track is amazing. The whole club has been putting in an incredible amount of work into and it showed. The track is unreal. It got really rough, really rutted, really gnarly but that’s how national is,” said local competitor, Jess Pettis. “No one signed up for it to be easy!”

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THIRD-PARTY FUND ADMINISTRATION CONNECTING BRITISH COLUMBIA

Northern Development has been administering funds on behalf of the Province of British Columbia (Network BC) since 2015 to help bring the infrastructure required for high-speed Internet connectivity to rural and remote areas of the province.

PHASE ONE: 43,000 CONNECTED

PHASE TWO: UNDERWAY

Phase one of the program resulted in $10 million being invested into last mile infrastructure that connected more than 43,000 homes and businesses to high-speed Internet in rural and remote areas of B.C. This has provided numerous communities with increased opportunities for economic diversification and lifestyle enhancements, access to new business opportunities, services, education and ways to connect with family and friends.

The Province has committed an additional $40 million to provide ongoing development of connectivity infrastructure for rural and remote communities. Launched mid-May, Phase Two of the Connecting British Columbia program will consist of multiple intakes, subject to funding availability. Intake One will help eligible B.C.-based connectivity projects leverage federal funding to maximize dollars available to bring high-speed Internet to rural and remote communities. This intake will be open to B.C.-based projects that applied to the federal $500 million Connect to Innovate program.

While the federal Connect to Innovate (CTI) and provincial Connecting British Columbia programs are distinct, they have similarities in serving rural and remote communities and enhancing telecommunications infrastructure that will help to make British Columbia the most connected province in the country.

BC HYDRO GO FUND Northern Development has been administering funds on behalf of BC Hydro since 2016 to provide support for community non-profit organizations in the Peace Region during construction of the Site C Clean Energy Project.

Approved Projects to Date Creating Literacy in Computer Knowledge

Fort St. John Public Library Association

$5,000

Infant and Toddler Food Security

Fort St. John Women’s Resource Society

$10,000

Expanding Palliative Care Support

Fort St. John & District Palliative Care Society

$10,000

Let’s Art

The Peace Arts Gallery Society

$10,000

Families Connect Program

Child Development Centre Society of Fort St. John

$10,000

3D Printer Makerspace

Chetwynd Public Library Association

$9,924

Family Literacy Program

Fort St. John Literacy Society

$10,000

Supportive Housing

Hudson’s Hope Healthcare & Housing Society

$10,000

Van Replacement

Hudson’s Hope Lions Club

$10,000

Learn to Can

Northern Environmental Action Team

$5,602

Healthy Breakfast & Snack Choices

North Peace Out of School Childcare Society

$3,120

NEW Seniors Activity Program

Tansi Friendship Centre Society

$10,000

NEW Canada Day Arts in the Park

Chetwynd Community Arts Council

$7,094

13 projects

$110,740

NEW = Newly funded projects this quarter 7

PEOPLE POWER WELCOME INTERNS!

Northern Development Internship programs are offered to the best and brightest university graduates in the region.

This spring, 12 interns joined regional communities, the Northern Development team and, for the first time, First Nations, to get hands-on experience on what it means to work in local government and economic development in the North.

Meet them below!

This internship program has given me the opportunity to experience all of the different local government departments and to work JESSICA BAGNALL with each department manager on various tasks and projects. This diverse learning experience has been a valuable opportunity to assess Hometown: Edmonton, AB Education: UNBC - Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, which department may be of interest in future positions within local International Studies, Certificate in Public Administration government. Another great benefit of this internship is the opportunity to experience the dynamics of town council decision making, as well Internship placement: Town of Smithers as the role of senior staff in aiding council members in the decision making process.

HEIDI BOOTH

I love how hands on and dynamic this internship has been so far.

Northern Development’s success is an incredible example of what can be achieved with a highly functioning team. The exposure we have received to various other professionals in the Economic Development field has been overwhelming. Being surrounded by passionate people is inspiring and seeing the economic value that this institute has provided to central northern British Columbia is incredible.

MICHAEL COULSON

The Peace is like no other place I’ve ever visited or experienced. The variation of work keeps me on my toes and makes each day different from the last. Gaining experience in all departments, while still doing work that I enjoy and relevant to my degree, is a rare and great opportunity. Being in a small municipality also allows the work to have a noticeable, meaningful, and positive impact on the community.

Economic Development Intern Hometown: Nelson, B.C. Education: UNBC - Bachelor of Commerce and Economics (in progress) Internship placement: Northern Development Office

Local Government Management Intern Hometown: Delta, B.C. Education: Langara College - Diploma in Applied Urban and Regional Planning, UNBC - Bachelor of Planning Internship placement: District of Taylor

ELIZABETH CUMMING Local Government Management Intern Hometown: Port Clements, B.C. Education: Simon Fraser University - Master of Arts in International Studies Internship placement: Village of Port Clements

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I am working on a diverse range of tasks for my internship due to the small size of the office. I deal with everything from taxes, title changes and working with the public to researching and writing reports that go to council. There is always something different that I am being tasked with, which is what I really love about the job as I like constantly developing and utilizing a diverse skill set. I also love how the internship brings all of us interns together creating engagement between different communities. It not only becomes a great personal resource but also becomes a resource that our communities did not have before.

RHYS ELLIOTT

Economic Development Intern Hometown: Adelaide, Australia Education: UNBC - Bachelor of Commerce in Finance and General Business Internship placement: Northern Development Office

MICHALA JANSA

Economic Development Intern Hometown: Prince George, B.C. Education: UNBC - Bachelor of Arts in Political Science Internship placement: Northern Development Office

I’ve called Prince George home for the last three years and appreciate the welcoming community, numerous opportunities on offer and countless gems for weekend leisure throughout the region. I also appreciate how this internship has provided the opportunity to interact with, understand and appreciate the processes associated with stimulating local and regional economic growth. I value the opportunity to observe and contribute to dialogue concerning current issues and strategic solutions.

As an intern, I’ve had the opportunity to review grant applications to the Connecting British Columbia program, prepare summary reports and research funding opportunities for non-profit organizations. I’m able to contribute to projects which have very real, tangible impacts on northern communities. This experience has proven to be incredibly valuable in terms of expanding my knowledge of the region and my network of professional connections.

SCOTT LEITCH

Working for the Cariboo Regional District, I really like how I have

Local Government Management Intern Hometown: Vancouver, B.C. Education: Simon Fraser University - Master of Arts in Economic Geography Internship placement: Cariboo Regional District

been able hit the ground running and take part in already established programs while being encouraged to take on projects myself.

Having several mentors within the organization has meant that I have developed a more rounded understanding of local government functions.

RAYNE TARASIUK

Under the guidance of the Skidegate Band Council in Skidegate, BC, I am reviewing the Band Council’s policies and procedures, and am also organizing three Women’s Dialogue Sessions to engage female leadership in enhancing the well-being of their families and communities in Haida Gwaii and the Central Coast region. The team here is very welcoming and supportive, which creates a positive working environment. I also appreciate the endless opportunities for professional development and personal growth within this position.

First Nations Government Intern Hometown: Nelson, B.C. Education: UBC - Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Royal Roads University - Master of Arts in Human Security and Peacebuilding Internship placement: Skidegate Band Council

KENDRA KINSLEY Hometown: Prince George, B.C. Education: UNBC - Bachelor of Arts in Political Science Internship placement: Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako

I enjoy the opportunity to be able to connect with the residents of the town and get involved in the community. Working in a smaller local government provides ample opportunities to really get engaged and be able to learn about each department. I’m getting experience working with bylaws, a connectivity study, regional community profiles and get to live in an area with rich recreational opportunities. I love being able to drive 20 minutes in any direction and be at lake and having the chance to be able to explore new places.

SAM HARRIS

IAIN MACRITCHIE

Hometown: Prince Rupert, B.C. Education: University of the Fraser Valley Bachelor of Business Administration and Economics Internship placement: Kitselas First Nation

Hometown: Prince George, B.C. Internship placement: City of Fort St. John

NOVA SEKKHON Hometown: Quesnel, B.C. Internship placement: City of Quesnel

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BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT ENTREPRENEURIAL MINDSET GRANT Women’s Enterprise Centre and Northern Development have partnered to help business owners in the north assess and improve their entrepreneurial mindset to realize their business potential.

IT’S ALL ABOUT MINDSET Organizations that identify as “entrepreneurial” have been shown to succeed at a much faster pace in the market with significantly increased capital investment, higher profit margins and greater productivity.

Through this partnership, 100 Entrepreneurial Mindset Grants will be provided to Northern entrepreneurs – women and men – so they can develop the thought and behavior that drives business growth.

THE PROGRAM

The Mindset Grant offsets the cost for 100 individuals to participate in a comprehensive entrepreneurial mindset development program, delivered by WEC.

• •

Participants in the program have the opportunity to participated in a comprehensive program that includes:

• Mindset Grants are limited to 25 per Northern Development region (Cariboo-Chilcotin Lillooet Region, Prince George Region, Northeast Region, Northwest Region).

An Entrepreneurial Mindset Profile assessment.

“Develop Your Entrepreneurial Mindset” workshop facilitated by the only Certified EMPTM practitioners in western Canada.

Preferred applicant status for an upcoming in-depth entrepreneurial mindset mentoring program for women business owners. The program will include a personal coaching session, webinars and mentorship.

LOVE TUMBLER RIDGE The Love Northern BC continues to grow with more than 1,500 independently owned businesses participating in the regional shop local movement across more than 60 communities. Tumbler Ridge is the newest community to join the program, recruiting businesses to participate now with an expected launch in September 2017.

LOVETUMBLERRIDGE.COM

TUMBLER RIDGE

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TRUST NEWS

NATIONAL AWARD RECIPIENT Small Town P.R. Playbook wins national award as a demonstration of excellence in Government Public Relations. | northerndevelopment.bc.ca/small-town-p-r-playbook The Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) named Northern Development Initiative Trust as the recipient of the 2017 Don Rennie Memorial Award for Excellence in Government Public Relations. The award was presented during the Evening of Excellence Awards Gala on the final night of Illuminate 2017, the CPRS National Conference, in Kelowna, B.C. on May 30. Accepting the award in person was Playbook editor Joel McKay, CEO of the Trust and its Chair, Evan Saugstad.

“It’s an incredible honour for the Trust to receive this award. The Small Town P.R. Playbook is a toolbox for small communities looking to improve engagement with residents and key stakeholders. It also showcases some of the incredible work that’s being accomplished in this field in small town B.C. We’d like to thank the Canadian Public Relations Society for this honour,” said McKay.

The Award is presented annually in memory of Don Rennie, a CPRS member who helped change the face of government communications in Canada through his pivotal role in developing and introducing a new communications policy that would span all departments of the Federal Government.

The Don Rennie Memorial Award was one of nine Major Awards presented over the course of the three-day Summit. The CPRS Major Awards recognize exceptional involvement in the public relations profession, with recipients being nominated by fellow CPRS members.

The Small Town PR Playbook is an accessible tool for community administrators that lack communications teams, which helps them face communication issues and challenges with the same confidence as larger municipalities. The useful resource is filled with summaries, case studies, tools and graphics showcasing the expert opinions, approaches and experiences of more than two-dozen P.R. professionals from across B.C. It also highlights small communities that are responding to challenging situations with innovative new ways to share information, engage and consult with the public.

WELCOME NEW STAFF Northern Development is excited to welcome two new staff members to our team.

JORDAN HAMMOND FUNDING PROGRAMS COORDINATOR Jordan was previously an intern at the Trust and with the Village of Valemount before working as the Regional Economic/Community Development Officer with the Cariboo Regional District in Williams Lake. His experience with Northern Development, local government and economic development make him a great addition to the team.

He’ll be joining us July 24th.

AARAKSH SIWAKOTI COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER Aaraksh is a journalist/communicator by trade with an interest in sustainable community development. He has developed his experience in storytelling, multimedia and digital communications with organizations such as the Recycling Council of BC, the Compassionate Eye Foundation, the Algonquin Times and Whistler Question.

He’ll be moving from Vancouver to join our team August 8th.

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NEXT FUNDING INTAKE CLOSES

- AUGUST 11 2017

UPCOMING DATES JULY 19, 2017 Northern Development Board Meeting

AUGUST 11, 2017 Quarterly Funding Application Intake Deadline

SEPTEMBER 1, 2017 Northwest Regional Advisory Committee Meeting

SEPTEMBER 8, 2017 Prince George Regional Advisory Committee Meeting

SEPTEMBER 12, 2017 Cariboo-Chilcotin/Lillooet Regional Advisory Committee Meeting

SEPTEMBER 15, 2017 Northeast Regional Advisory Committee Meeting

OCTOBER 18, 2017 Northern Development Board Meeting

301-1268 Fifth Avenue Prince George, B.C. V2L 2L2 250-561-2525 | info@northerndevelopment.bc.ca www.northerndevelopment.bc.ca