2018 Apr May Jun Quarterly Report

APRIL / MAY / JUNE

- 2018 QUARTERLY REPORT

BY THE NUMBERS $137.8 million in Trust Funding invested into 3,219 projects since 2005 $ 10.7 million in Trust Funding approved for 318 projects to date in 2018

IN THIS ISSUE New Chair & Board members pg. 3 Connecting BC Intake Opens pg. 4 Strategic Intitives Fund pg. 8

$71 million leveraged so far in 2018 as new project investment

Airport Expansion Takes Flight pg. 9

$12.7 million invested into 380 First Nations projects since 2005

Park Pavilion pg. 13

$28.1 million approved for 330 projects to help communities recover from the Mountain Pine Beetle epidemic since 2005

A Space for Healing pg. 11 Northern Dispatch pg. 16 Geoscience Data Released pg. 18

GOVERNING A SUSTAINABLE & RESPONSIVE ORGANIZATION

The Trust exists to stimulate economic growth through strategic and leveraged investments that build a strong and diversified economy in Northern B.C. We strive to be trusted for our integrity, accountability, collaboration and passion. Our goal is to maximize investment in Northern B.C. projects each year and to effectively manage and administer third-party endowments and funding programs.

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TRUST WELCOMES OFFICERS TO NEW BOARD POSITIONS APRIL 2018 — Northern Development announced the election of the new chair and board positions at this year’s annual general meeting.

Newly elected board chair, Gerry Thiessen

Gerry Thiessen was elected by the board as the new chair and is currently serving his third term as mayor of the District of Vanderhoof. Incoming chair Thiessen has been a member of Northern Development’s board for six years and the chair of the Prince George Regional Advisory Committee for three years.

“I would like to thank Northern Development’s board of directors for entrusting me with this incredible opportunity,” said Thiessen. “The Trust has made such impact over the past 13 years and I look forward to working with the board as we make decisions to help strengthen the North. I would like to thank Evan Saugstad for his great leadership throughout his term as board chair.”

“Congratulations to Mayor Thiessen on his election as chair of the Trust’s Board of Directors,” said Joel McKay, Northern Development CEO. “His passion for the Trust and service ethic will be a boon to our organization as we continue to find ways to generate value for communities throughout Northern B.C.”

Thomas Hoffman was elected by the board as the new vice-chair and has been a provincially appointed member of Northern Development’s board for five years.

Wendy Benyk was elected by the board as the new finance committee chair and has been a provincially appointed member of Northern Development’s board for four years.

Hoffman is the manager, external and stakeholder relations for Tolko Industries Limited, based in Williams Lake, having been with the company 20 years.

Benyk is the CEO of Lakes District Maintenance Ltd., a highway road and bridge maintenance company, based in Burns Lake.

Outgoing chair Evan Saugstad stepped down from the position after nearly ten years and countless volunteer hours as chair or officer of Northern Development’s board.

“Thank you for the support and trust given to me during my term as chair,” said Saugstad. “I am proud of our growth, our informed decisions and accomplishments for the benefit of our region. Thank you all for putting your names forward for the executive. It Outgoing board chair, Evan Saugstad is a joy and privilege to work with everyone involved in this organization as together we strive to make the North a better place. The Trust is in good hands and I look forward to continuing as a director on the board and working for the betterment of our diverse region.”

Saugstad will remain on the board as a provincially appointed member.

He was appointed to the Trust’s board in 2008 and was a founding member of the Trust’s Northeast Regional Advisory Committee in 2004.

“I would like to thank former Chair Evan Saugstad for his years of dedication to the Trust,” said McKay. “We are better because of him.”

Lyn Hall was acclaimed as a member of the board’s finance committee. He was appointed to the board in 2017.

Michael Racz was acclaimed a as member of the board’s finance committee. He’s sat on this committee since 2016.

Hall is the mayor of Prince George, B.C. and has been an active member of the Prince George community for more than 30 years.

Racz is a proud resident of Haida Gwaii and as served as ‘Area D’ director for the North Coast Regional District since 2011. Racz currently works as a the general manager for Haida Gwaii Community Futures.

Margo Wagner was acclaimed as a member of the executive committee.

Wagner is the chair of the Cariboo Regional District, based in Williams Lake, and has also served as the Vice Chair of the CaribooChilcotin Regional Hospital District since 2012.

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CONNECTING BC FUNDING INTAKE OPENS

Tower installation in Tatlayoko. PC: Tatlayoko Think Tank

JULY 2018 — Local governments, internet service providers and community organizations can now apply for grant funding to connect high-speed internet for British Columbians who need it the most – those living in rural, remote and Indigenous communities.

“High costs are one of the main barriers to connecting communities,” said Jinny Sims, Minister of Citizens’ Services. “This funding will support last-mile projects that will help close the gap between urban and rural areas, and allow B.C.’s smaller communities to better participate in the digital economy.”

Internet service providers and other community-based organizations are now eligible to apply for the $16 million grant funding to improve connectivity in rural, remote and Indigenous areas in B.C.

“

The program has been critical in helping deliver the infrastructure projects B.C. needs to compete now and in the future.

”

The $16 million is part of $40 million committed in 2017 to expand the Connecting British Columbia program, which is funded by the Province of B.C. and administered by the Trust.

Northern Development is now accepting applications for the Connecting British Columbia program, so homes, businesses and other institutions can connect to high-speed internet. Funding is also 4

available to help communities plan for the future by creating regional infrastructure strategies for high-speed connectivity.

To date, the Connecting British Columbia program has distributed $34 million in provincial funding to support 34 connectivity projects, benefiting approximately 433 communities throughout B.C. “Connecting British Columbia has helped our province accelerate the growth of our digital economy,” said Joel McKay, Trust CEO. ”By leveraging funds from the private sector and other levels of government, the program has been critical in helping deliver the infrastructure projects B.C. needs to compete, now and in the future.”

An additional $83 million in funding from federal, provincial and local partners has been announced since January 2018. This funding for coastal and rural communities is expected to benefit an estimated 187 communities — including 69 First Nations and Indigenous communities.

Successful applications could see last-mile projects receive up to a 50% contribution for eligible costs. Funding will also be available for improving connectivity to entire regions of British Columbia.

Applications for transport fibre projects will be accepted beginning Sept. 1, 2018. A total of $16 million is available.

Learn more: www.northerndevelopment.bc.ca/ connecting-british-columbia

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SUPPORTING THE DEVELOPMENT OF RESILIANT & PROFITABLE BUSINESSES Northern Development continues to provide ongoing business support through many strategic partnerships with organizations like Small Business BC, Women’s Enterprise Centre and LOCO BC. Businesses and entrepreneurs are supported through mentors, participation in business training, access to expertise and online profiles. These supports all help drive traffic into local businesses, improve business operations and ultimately support profitability.

BUSINESS FACADE IMPROVEMENT Northern Development provides annual grant funding for municipalities and regional districts throughout the region 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 property values. www.northerndevelopment.bc.ca/ business-facade-improvement

2018 as of July 4 Cariboo-Chilcotin/Lillooet Region Northwest Region Northeast Region Prince George Region Total

# Communities

$ Approved

5

$95,000

11

$210,000

2

$40,000

3

$60,000

21

$405,000

BACK-TO-SCHOOL FOR SMALL BUSINESSES JUNE 2018 — Businesses across Northern B.C. had a chance to join award-winning Google Trusted Photographer and Google My Business expert, Jody Wall, in June. Businesses had an opportunity to learn how to take control of, manage and dramatically increase their business listing exposure on Google Search, Google Maps, and GooglePlus.

Nearly 200 businesses have participated in the workshops since they started being delivered by the Trust in 2017 throughout the Trust’s service region. Particpants learned about how Google searches are made, what a “Google My Business” listing means, how to claim/ verify thier Google My Business listing and how to optimize their Google My Business listing with photos, analytics, markers, branding and more.

Google My Business is a free Google service that allows business owners to create a Google-based profile for their business – allowing them to be found easily online by visitors and locals alike.

BEST IN THE WEST AWARDS MARCH 2018 — The partnership between Downtown PG, the Trust, Tourism Prince George, and the City of Prince George received the award of Excellence in both the Programming and Partnerships (Open for Business) and Special Events (Downtown Winterfest) categories, as well as the award of Merit in the Economic and Business Development (Open for Business) category at this year’s International Downtown Association (IDA) Pacific Northwest Regional Conference.

The Trust was on hand at city council in May to celebrate the three “Best in the West” awards received by Downtown PG and their partners at this year’s Business Improvement Areas of British Columbia and IDA Pacific Northwest Regional Conference.

Downtown PG submitted the “Open for Business” project, which is a collaboration between the City of Prince George, Tourism Prince George and Northern Development Initiative Trust, highlighting shared resources and cooperation that went into supporting projects like the Business Façade improvement grant, Love Downtown PG and downtown revitalization efforts (all in partnership with the Trust), and event hosting.

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STIMULATE WELCOMING, THRIVING COMMUNITIES Northern development primarily funds brick and mortar capital infrastructure projects that provide a lasting asset for community benefit. Our investments into these community facilities vary from mountain bike trails and community halls to airports and marinas and are driven by community priorities. Northern Development aims to deliver funding to help communities improve, expand or build facilities that diversify the local economy.

FUNDING AWARDED FOR REGIONAL PRIORITY PROJECTS

Proposed hosting precinct, Quesnel, B.C.

MAY 2018 — As part of its goal to support community-identified strategic priorities, Northern Development Initiative Trust approved $1.27 million in funding for five priority economic development projects throughout Northern B.C., thanks to the Strategic Initiatives Fund.

communities in order to help strengthen and build the local labour force.

•

$50,160 was approved for the Williams Lake Indian Band to support the development of land-based regulations required for the future development of the Coyote Rock development area, which would eventually lead to expanding the community’s tax base, create employment and business opportunities and fill the need for much needed new housing stock in the Williams Lake area.

The program is designed to be broad in nature, allowing flexibility for proposals that capitalize on the diverse opportunities and strengths that exist in communities throughout Northern Development’s service area.

•

$35,000 was approved for the City of Williams Lake for the development of an economic development strategy to enable the city to overcome challenges and prioritize and pursue opportunities arising as part of wildfire recovery work.

“Communities throughout Northern B.C. have been looking for funding opportunities to respond to unique challenges and opportunities identified at the local level,” said Gerry Thiessen Northern Development’s chair. “The Trust heard this request and the board couldn’t be more pleased than to support these projects identified as strategic priorities for local economic development and sustainability.”

“These grants are helping the region develop communities, industries, skills and economic growth strategies,” said Joel McKay, Trust CEO. “This program recognizes the diverse needs of individual communities throughout Northern B.C. and it’s wonderful to see these dollars at work to support projects that communities have identified as being local and regional priorities.”

Northern Development’s board of directors approved funding for the following projects:

The competitive review of proposals indicated that the supported projects provided a strategic response to a specific economic development objective, opportunity or challenge.

The Strategic Initiatives Fund (SIF) was launched in January of this year and was designed to put communities in the driver’s seat and propose projects that are strategic in nature and support long-term economic transformation and sustainability.

•

$574,191 was approved for the City of Quesnel to support aesthetic and technological upgrades for a number of facilities as part of the community’s destination development strategy to create a unique precinct with advanced hosting capabilities.

•

$375,000 was approved for the Metlakatla Band Council to address large scale production capacity and develop market expansion activities for the shellfish aquaculture industry along the north coast in support of the North Pacific Marine Plan.

•

$236,650 was approved for the Lillooet Tribal Council for the development of a Community Adult Basic Education Learning Centre to benefit students from Lillooet and the northern St’at’imc

70% of the approved funding is for projects with direct or transferrable benefits that will mitigate the impacts of the Mountain Pine Beetle on the Northern B.C. economy.

The Strategic Initiatives Fund is available on an annual intake for local governments, registered First Nations bands and partnerships with non-profit corporations or private sector businesses where a local government or registered First Nation band is the lead applicant.

The program supports up to 80% of a project’s value. www.northerndevelopment.bc.ca/strategic-initiatives-fund 8

TERRACE-KITIMAT AIRPORT EXPANSION READY TO TAKE FLIGHT

JUNE 2018 — The Terrace-Kitimat Airport Terminal expansion project celebrated its grand opening on June 16, thanks in part to $250,000 in approved funding support provided by Northern Development.

This project was also funded through the federal New Building Canada Fund, the British Columbia Airport Access Program and a temporary Airport Improvement Fee.

The Terrace-Kitimat Airport Society led the two and a half year project, which included new and renovated sections including a new Departures Terminal check-in area, airline offices and cargo area. Renovated areas include the security screening and security hold room. Additionally, a new board room and training room are now also available for rental.

“The completion of this important airport expansion project is great news for British Columbians,” said the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities. “The airport’s new and improved facilities will accommodate travelers’ needs now and into the future while strengthening the foundation for economic growth and middle-class job creation in Terrace and Kitimat.”

The Terrace-Kitimat Airport Terminal expansion project received $250,000 in approved funding support from Northern Development through the Economic Diversification Infrastructure program.

www.northerndevelopment.bc.ca/ economic-diversification-infrastructure

“Northern Development is very proud to have partnered on the TerraceKitimat Air Terminal expansion project,” said Gerry Thiessen, Trust board chair. “This project will play a key role in the future economic growth of both Terrace and Kitimat, as well as the surrounding region.”

NEW HAZELTON RECEIVES COMMUNITY CENTRE FUNDING SUPPORT MAY 2018 — Renovations for a new community centre for the District of New Hazelton are set to be underway, thanks in part to funding support from Northern Development.

the building and that a new facility would be a more feasible option for the community.

The District of New Hazelton has been approved for $215,014 in funding support from Northern Development’s Economic Diversification Infrastructure program for a much-needed new multi-use community centre.

The new community centre will help to provide the community of New Hazelton with many revenue generation opportunities and a new gathering space for community members.

The approved funding will go toward renovating a 7,080 square foot building into a new community centre, which will have the capacity to hold large events at the venue. The community centre will also have a large meeting space, commercial kitchen space and two office spaces that would be available for rental by entrepreneurs or small business owners.

“Economic diversification projects such as the New Hazelton community centre renovations, play a vital role in the Trust’s economic sustainability mandate,” said Gerry Thiessen, Northern Development board chair. “This project will not only help contribute to the overall economic development of the community of New Hazelton, but will also help promote economic growth and build strong relationships within the surrounding region.”

Currently, the only facility in the community that can be used for large gatherings needs some major repairs. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the extent of repairs far exceeded the assessed value of

“The District of New Hazelton is very excited to receive this grant from Northern Development Initiative Trust for renovations to our new community center,” said Gail Lowry, mayor, District of New Hazelton.

“The grant will help us to create a diverse space that will serve to stimulate economic diversification while also providing a new space for our community to gather together. Thanks to Northern Development Initiative Trust, the renovations will happen at a much quicker pace and the building should be operational late this year.”

Renovations for the new community centre are underway and should be completed by Fall 2018. www.northerndevelopment.bc.ca/ economic-diversification-infrastructure 9

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS TO DATE 2018 MARKETING INITIATIVES This program provides up to $20,000 in grant funding to support marketing initiatives that promote assets and products within the region in order to increase local revenues generated from outside the region. www.northerndevelopment.bc.ca/ marketing-initiatives

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. www.northerndevelopment.bc.ca/ community-foundation-matching-grant

2018 as of July 4 Cariboo-Chilcotin/Lillooet Region Northwest Region Northeast Region Prince George Region Cross-regional Total

# Communities

$ Approved

8

$120,495

9

$136,589

6

$75,309

7

$54,245

2

$35,000

32

$421,638

2018 as of July 4 Cariboo-Chilcotin/Lillooet Region Northwest Region Northeast Region Prince George Region Total

# Communities

$ Approved

2

$100,000

-

-

-

-

2

$75,000

4

$175,000

2018 as of July 4 Cariboo-Chilcotin/Lillooet Region Northwest Region Northeast Region Prince George Region Total

# Projects

$ Approved

2

$266,500

5

$971,434

2

$289,920

8

$818,402

6

$2,346,256

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. www.northerndevelopment.bc.ca/ economic-diversification-infrastructure

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A SPACE FOR HEALING MARCH 2018 — A true showcase of a community’s strength is revealed when they are faced with adversity — for Ashcroft, B.C. last year’s wildfires tested theirs.

The devastation from the B.C. wildfires took a lot from the community of Ashcroft, but it did not take away their resilience and fortitude to move past the tragic events. Looking to build upon that same strength displayed by the community and to promote healing and growth, the Ashcroft Indian Band sought to build a gathering space for the members of the community.

“I think this project represents how resilient our community is,” said Jodene Blain, band administrator, Ashcroft Indian Band. “We could have left things as they were after the fires, but we choose to move forward from it. As we continue to move on in terms of economic development for our community, the gathering space is going to play a big part in that journey.”

The gathering space project was proposed to act as a place where members of the community could get together and help each other heal. It would also allow the Ashcroft Indian Band to utilize the space commercially, which will contribute to the growth of the local economy through having a rentable space — something they had been lacking previously.

“It’s a new start for the community in a way,” said Blain. “We were knocked down a bit, but this shows we are moving forward. This project is going to be an exciting piece in our community and it is going to demonstrate that we are rebuilding through the trauma of the wildfires and moving forward together.”

The Skeetchestn Indian Band generously donated the round-house kit to the Ashcroft Indian Band, which includes the structural framework of a round building and will serve as the foundation for the new gathering space. With $30,000 in approved funding support from Northern Development provided through the Community Halls and Recreation program, the project is well on its way to completion this summer.

“The funding support from Northern Development really helped the project get off the ground,” said Blain. “Without the support, I don’t think this project could have moved forward. I think this will have a very positive impact on our community. It has brought us all together and is something we are all looking forward to as a community.” www.northerndevelopment.bc.ca/ community-halls-and-recreation-facilities

“It just was not logistically possible to hold events, meetings and community gatherings here before,” said Blain. “Now, we will have a big, inviting space that people can use and one that we will be able to rent out for different occasions. The Village of Ashcroft and the school board have already shown interest in renting out the space when it becomes available.”

The new gathering space will serve as a community hall, where community members can share meals, participate in game nights, attend wellness events, host community meetings and promote healing within the community. The Ashcroft Indian Band hopes this will bring the community together and help it become stronger than ever.

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 Gymnastics Club Flooring Upgrade

Kitimat

$15,000

Community Hall Acoustic Upgrade

Masset

$10,705

Haida Access at Hiellen

Old Masset

$10,000

Port Clements

$24,103

Prince Rupert

$15,000

Smithers

$15,000

Commercial Dishwasher

Smithers

$4,339

Community Centre Upgrades

Thornhill

$30,000

NEW Museum Pavilion and Storage Shed

NEW = Newly funded projects this quarter

Enhancement

Northwest Region

NEW Earl Mah Aquatic Centre

Burdette Cabin Construction

Atlin

$30,000

Improvements

NEW Wistaria Hall Foundation

Burns Lake

$15,000

NEW Dze L K'ant Friendship Centre

Francois Lake

$15,000

Granisle

$30,000

Fall Fairground Upgrades

Tlell

$15,174

NEW Curling Rink Accessibility Upgrade

Granisle

$15,000

NEW Shangri-La Trail

Terrace

$20,000

Tourist Information Centre Roof Replacement

Granisle

$15,000

R.E.M. Lee Theatre Sound and Lighting Upgrade

Terrace

$29,794

Community Hall Restoration

Gitsegukla

$19,326

Hazelton

$28,500

20 projects

$366,941

Kitimat

$10,000

NEW Lakes District Fairgrounds Concession

Renovation NEW New Beach Campground

Improvements

NEW Skeena Centre for Water, Land

and Arts NEW Shooting Range Perimeter Fencing

and Facilities Upgrades

Revitalization

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Cariboo-Chilcotin/Lillooet Region NEW Green Lake Snowmobile Clubhouse

Renovations

Prince George Region 70 Mile House

$24,300

Nordic Ski Lodge Upgrade

100 Mile House

$15,127

HUB Facility Improvements

Ashcroft

$10,000

Ashcroft Indian Band Community Gathering Space

Ashcroft

$30,000

NEW Community Hall Renovations

Anahim Lake

$24,426

Anahim Lake

$30,000

NEW Nimpo Lake Community Trail

System Expansion

Community Hall Bathroom Renovation

Cluculz Lake

$24,812

NEW Schoolhouse Improvements

Dunster

$27,851

Music Makers Theatre Renovation

Fort St. James $17,060

NEW East Twin-Chalco Trail Upgrade -

Phase One

Fraser-Fort George

$30,000

Paddle Board Aquisition

Fraser Lake

$3,360

Fraser Lake

$15,000

NEW Museum Mine Equipment Restoration

Fraser Lake

$4,232

NEW Arena Ice Plant Upgrade

Fraser Lake

$15,000

Weight Room Upgrades Phase 2

Mackenzie

$30,000

Waterfall Trail Connector

Mackenzie

$24,000

NEW Go Zone Community Facility

Mackenzie

$18,573

Mackenzie Indoor Climbing Centre

Mackenzie

$30,000

Mackenzie

$17,300

Mackenzie

$30,000

Mackenzie

$30,000

Mackenzie

$30,000

Mackenzie

$30,000

NEW Complex and Visitor Centre Outdoor

Lighting Upgrade

Hall Improvements

Barlow Creek

$20,437

Ice Rink Improvements

Bouchie Lake

$15,000

Cayoose Campground Revitalization

Lillooet

$30,000

NEW Community Hall Revitalization

Loon Lake

$4,289

Desous Mountain Recreation Site Development - Phase Two

McLeese Lake

$15,000

NEW Skate Park Upgrade and Expansion

Quesnel

$30,000

NEW Telegraph Trail Upgrades

Quesnel

$30,000

Ranger Park Upgrades

Williams Lake

$10,717

Williams Lake

$30,000

NEW Community Bike Park Trails and

Williams Lake

$30,000

NEW Recreation Centre Accessibility

Williams Lake

$16,404

NEW Wheelchair Lift for the Public Hall

Prince George

$15,000

$30,000

Caledonia Nordic Centre Lodge Accessibility Prince George Improvements

$30,000

NEW Off Road Vehicle Trail Construction

Prince George

$15,000

1919 Community Hall Kitchen Renovation

Prince George

$30,000

NEW Soccer Equipment Upgrade

Prince George

$5,000

Community Hall Upgrade

Stellat’en

$30,000

Bike Park Trail Development

Valemount

$30,000

Vanderhoof

$30,000

Vanderhoof

$30,000

Vanderhoof

$15,000

27 Projects

$604,407

NEW Dragon Mountain Trail Network

Development NEW Wonderland Trail Network

Development NEW Cariboo-Chilcotin Museum Display

Cases NEW Alex Fraser Park Multi-Use

Agriculture Building NEW Cariboo Friendship Society

Accessibility Upgrades

Williams Lake Williams Lake

$30,000

19 projects

$425,700

NEW Golf and Country Club Building

Upgrades NEW Range Upgrades - Phase Two NEW Cross Country Ski Trails Storage

Facility Trailhead Development Upgrades

NEW Youth Soccer Field Development -

Phase Two

Northeast Region Little Prairie Community Forest Nordic Centre Development

NEW Skatepark Construction

Chetwynd

$9,773

Golf and Country Club Cart Replacement Dawson Creek

$30,000

NEW Snowmaking Pipeline Replacement

Dawson Creek

$50,000

NEW Beatton Park Stadium Construction

Fort St. John

$26,043

NEW Curling Stone Replacement

Fort St. John

$50,000

Community Facility Flooring Upgrade

Pouce Coupe

$4,764

NEW Community Hall Deck Extension

Toad River

$50,000

7 projects

$220,580

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NEW Nechako Nordics Cross Country Ski

Terrain Park

PAVILION BRINGS COMMUNITY TOGETHER JUNE 2018 — The official unveiling of the new Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park pavilion took place on June 21, during the National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations in Prince George, B.C. The Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park Pavilion is an expression of a partnership between the City and the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation.

This Pavilion is a place of gathering and celebration, recognising the importance of family and the promise of children.

Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park and the pavilion played host to festivities all weekend to celebrate First Nations. As part of the ceremony, photos of children and elders were unveiled at the pavilion accompanied with drummers and musicians.

Northern Deveopment provided $30,000 in approved funding support toward the project through the Community Halls and Recreation Facilities program.

Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park is a popular venue within Prince George for a wide selection of activities ranging from large-scale Canada Day celebrations to private birthday parties or family picnics. The new pavilion will increase the capacity of Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park to provide a venue space for both public and private events.

The new pavilion will also look to bring in new rental revenue to the community by providing a sheltered, visually appealing space for events including family gatherings, birthday celebrations and weddings. www.northerndevelopment.bc.ca/ community-halls-and-recreation-facilities

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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. www.northerndevelopment.bc.ca/ fabestivals

2018 as of July 4 Cariboo-Chilcotin/Lillooet Region Northwest Region Northeast Region

# Events

$ Approved

18

$55,000

14

$55,000

7

$25,000

Prince George Region

9

$37,500

Total

48

$172,000

NEW = Newly funded projects this quarter

2018 Funded Fabulous Festivals and Events Cold Snap

Prince George

Jan 26-Feb 3

Winterfest

Bridge River Valley

Feb 11-12

Interlakes Outhouse Races

Logan Lake

Feb 11

Downtown Winterfest

Prince George

Feb 11

Gold Country Geocache Event

Cache Creek

May 11-13

NEW Little Britches Rodeo

100 Mile House May 16-20

2 Rivers Remix

Lytton

May 18-19

Clinton Annual Ball

Clinton

May 19

Invisible Migration Event

Burns Lake

May 24

Walhachindig

Walhachin

Jun 16

Midsummer Music Festival

Smithers

Jun 29-July 1

BMO Kidz Art Dayz

Prince George

Jul 6-7

Summer Cruise

Dawson Creek

Jul 13-15

Bella Coola Music Festival

Bella Coola

Jul 19-22

Terrace Riverboat Days

Terrace

Aug 3-12

Vanderhoof International Airshow

Vanderhoof

Aug 4

Desert Daze Festival

Spences Bridge

Aug 10-11

Skeena Valley Country Country Music Terrace Festival

Summer is upon us, which means the fun festivals are starting to heat up the season.

Festivals across Northern B.C. this summer will be serving up some fun to keep the whole family engaged. From the Dawson Creek Summer Cruise to the Bella Coola Music Festival, this summer is going to be a cool one — figuratively speaking of course.

The program aims to promote destination tourism and the service sector across Northern B.C. while increasing the capacity to generate increased revenue for the communities and the region.

Aug 10-12

South Cariboo Summer Festival

100 Mile House Aug 11-12

Nechako Valley Exhibition

Vanderhoof

Aug 17-19

Emperor’s Challenge

Tumbler Ridge

Aug 11

Culturefest

Fort Nelson

Oct 20

NEW Interlakes Rodeo

Interlakes

Jul 21-22

NEW Arts on the Fly Music Festival

Horsefly

Jul 13-14

NEW Multicultural Fusion Festival

Dawson Creek

Jul 8

NEW Arts and Music Festival

Atlin

Jul 6-8

NEW Hazelton Hootenanny

Hazelton

Aug 17-19

NEW Kitimat Mud Games

Kitimat

Aug 10-11

NEW Seafest

Prince Rupert

Jun 8-10

NEW Valemountain Days

Valemont

Jun 8-10

NEW Lillooet Harvest Festival

Lilooet

Sep 8

NEW Lytton River Festival

Lytton

Aug 31-Sep 2

NEW Bulkley Valley Exhibition

Smithers

Aug 23-36

NEW Grizfest Music Festival

Tumbler Ridge

Aug 3-5

NEW Kispiox Valley Music Festival

Hazelton

Jul 27-29

NEW Four Directions Festival

Williams Lake

Jun 30

NEW Valemount Bike Fest

Valemount

Jun 16

NEW Brights Nights in June

Fort St. John

Jun 7-9

NEW 45th Annual Memorial Pow

Quesnel

Oct 5-7

100 Mile House

Jul 13-15

NEW Masset Harbour Days

Masset

May 18-20

NEW Nechako Valley Rodeo

Vanderhoof

Apr 28-29

NEW South Cariboo Garlic Festival

Lac La Hache

Aug 25-26

NEW Stewart Bear Arts Festival

Stewart

Aug 10-12

NEW Kiskatinaw Fall Fair

Dawson Creek

Aug 3-5

NEW Quesnel Cutting Horse Show

Quesnel

Jul 28-29

Wow NEW Hot July Nights Car and Bike

Show

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ENHANCING REGIONAL CAPACITY, INVESTMENT & OPPORTUNITIES FOR GROWTH Northern Development strives to enhance access to expertise to build a resilient economy in Northern B.C. Our goal is to ensure that communities have the capacity to realize self-determined economic development opportunities.

IN THIS ISSUE: • FIND OUT JUST HOW BUSINESSES ARE DOING IN THE NORTH • GET CRUCIAL STATS ON NORTHERN B.C. BUSINESSES • RESOURCE SECTOR STILL VITAL TO NORTHERN ECONOMY • SMALL BUSINESS IS BIG BUSINESS IN THE NORTH. WHAT’S NEXT? • AND MORE

MAY 2018 — As Northern B.C.’s leader in economic development we at Northern Development feel that it’s crucial to understand the data behind the decisions that affect the communities we serve. Earlier this year, the State of the North Economic Report revealed that although Northern B.C.’s economy remains largely reliant on the natural resource sector, it’s also incredibly complex, nuanced and ever shifting. For that reason, we’ve created the ‘Northern Dispatch’ – short reports that delve into portions of the State of the North in greater detail, adding commentary and context on specific sectors or subjects … and maybe a little myth-busting too.

This issue focused on the State of Small Business in Northern B.C., and featured guest contribution from Val Litwin, CEO, BC Chamber of Commerce.

GUEST CONTRIBUTOR: VAL LITWIN, CEO, BC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Val Litwin is the President and CEO of the BC Chamber of Commerce. Previous to his role with the BC Chamber of Commerce, Val served as CEO of the Whistler Chamber of Commerce for three years.

As this issue’s guest contributer Litwin weighs in on the current status of businesses across the region and gives readers an insight into the mindset of entrepreneurs in Northern B.C. Val is also well-versed in the social enterprise space. In 2002, he cofounded Extreme Kindness and launched volunteer tours and a web series based on committing random act of kindness across Canada and the U.S.

www.northerndevelopment.bc.ca/northern-dispatch

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2018 BIOECONOMY CONFERENCE JUNE 2018 — The Canadian Bioeconomy Conference, held every two years in Prince George, British Columbia, is the largest and longest running event of its kind in Canada. The bioenergy industry in Canada has grown and matured since the conference was founded in 2004. The 2018 conference reflected the diversification in the use of woody biomass across the full value chain of bioproducts.

Northern Development CEO, Joel McKay, was emcee for the Community Energy Workshop held in the Wood Innovation and Design Centre on June 6, to kick off the conference. He was joined by community leaders City of Prince George’s Mayor Lyn Hall, Mayor Taylor Bachrach from Smithers, B.C., Mayor Anna Tenje from Växjö, Sweden and Chief Donny Van Somer from Kwadacha, B.C. who were on hand to give their local perspectives on energy and sustainability.

NORTH CENTRAL LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE JUNE 2018 — Northern Development CEO Joel Mckay was on hand to speak to local government leaders from across Northern B.C. who were in attendance for the North Central Local Government Association (NCLGA) annual conference.

The conference was held in Fort Nelson, part of the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality (NRRM). The NRRM has a huge area, spanning approximately 10 per cent of B.C.’s land mass. Northern Development participates in the conference annually to updated elected officials throughout Northern B.C. about the Trust’s work, successes and new initiatives.

The 2019 NCLGA AGM & Convention is being hosted by Williams Lake and the Cariboo Regional District in the City of Williams Lake, B.C.

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NEW GEOSCIENCE DATA RELEASED MAY 2018 — The final report from Geoscience BC’s Peace Project was released on May 22, providing important data for groundwater management and responsible resource development in northeast B.C. Produced by experts from Simon Fraser University, the report summarizes 16 pieces of research conducted since 2014 in a region where continuing oil and gas development means impartial, scientific data about groundwater is more important than ever before.

“The Geoscience BC Peace Project final report is the culmination of four years of hard work by so many people,” said Carlos Salas, Executive Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer, Geoscience BC. “For the first time we have regional baseline knowledge about groundwater in the Peace region. It will inform decisions and I look forward to it guiding additional research in the future.”

The report provides significant new knowledge about groundwater in the Peace region. It includes findings such as: • •

• •

Surface geology in the Peace Region is complex, and the depth of a layer of sediments covering bedrock varies significantly; sediments near the surface in the Peace region are not sufficiently interconnected over large areas with quantities of water suitable for industrial uses or as water sources for large communities; the networks of aquifers near the surface may be suitable for other uses, such as domestic water wells; and other water sources deeper in the bedrock may be suitable for such uses, but further research is required.

Throughout the Peace Project, researchers collaborated with a wide variety of organizations including government departments, community groups, First Nations, the energy sector and academia. This made it possible to adapt the research to suit the needs of different groups. For example, a helicopter survey to measure resistivity of rocks below was extended following feedback from several communities, and the project identified potential locations for drinking water for the Halfway River First Nation.

Canada, Northern Development Initiative Trust, and the BC Oil & Gas Research and Innovation Society.

Northern Development supported the project with the approval of a $250,000 grant from the Economic Diversification Infrastructure program in 2015.

“Natural gas development is an important industry for the economic growth of the Northeast,” said Joel McKay, Northern Development CEO. “Studies like this are critical for providing government and industry with data needed to make informed decisions for sustainable resource development and groundwater protection. We look forward to seeing how the communities in the Peace can utilize this data for community and economic benefit.”

Valuable input was also received from Doig River First Nation and Halfway River First Nation. The project had additional support from the Peace River Regional District and the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP), and was one of the projects supported by the Northeast Water Strategy.

The Project also involved collaboration with Simon Fraser University, the University of British Columbia, Quaternary Geosciences Inc., Bemex Consulting International, Aarhus Geophysics ApS, Petrel Robertson Consulting Ltd., SkyTEM Surveys ApS, and the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland.

To view all reports and data from Geoscience BC’s Peace Project, visit the project page or view the information on Geoscience BC’s Earth Science Viewer online mapping application. www.geosciencebc.com/s/PeaceProject.asp

“This study provides valuable data over a large area that is useful for understanding aquifer systems in the Peace region,” Ken Paulson, Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, BC Oil and Gas Commission. “It supports application reviews for groundwater authorizations and the long term sustainable use of groundwater in the region.”

Geoscience BC will discuss the findings with collaborators over the coming months, culminating in a technical webinar in the fall. This process will include listening to ideas for potential future groundwater research, such as building a better understanding of deeper bedrock aquifers or extending research to other parts of the Peace region.

The Peace Project was supported by partners including the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, the Ministry of Environment & Climate Change Strategy, the BC Oil & Gas Commission, the Ministry of Energy, Mines, & Petroleum Resources, Progress Energy Canada Ltd., ConocoPhillips 18

NEXT FUNDING INTAKE CLOSES

- AUGUST 10 2018

UPCOMING DATES JULY 18, 2018 Northern Development Board Meeting

AUGUST 10, 2018 Summer 2018 Quartery Intake Deadline

SEPTEMBER 6, 2018 Northeast Regional Advisory Committee Meeting

SEPTEMBER 18, 2018 Cariboo-Chilcotin/Lillooet Regional Advisory Committee Meeting

SEPTEMBER 28, 2018 Northwest Regional Advisory Committee Meeting

OCTOBER 10, 2018 Northern Development Board Meeting

OCTOBER 31, 2018 Fall 2018 Quartery Intake Deadline

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