Northern Development (NDIT) has approved more funding for projects across the region, totalling just over $1.9 million.
This includes nearly $300,000 for Exploration Place in Prince George, part of a new Community Development Program funding now set in motion.
Specifically, $291,605 was approved for the Fraser-Fort George Museum Society through the Cultural Infrastructure program to fund the renovations at Exploration Place, set to accommodate a new vision for programming with a focus on Indigenous history and reconciliation, concern for the environment and a new understanding of the risk of novel disease transmission.
The renovation also includes the biome expansion, conversion of the atrium to a paleo-botanical hall, expansion of exhibit spaces and increased food service.
NDIT says this is all to strengthen Exploration Place's earned revenue streams, generating opportunities for increased memberships, admissions, gift shop sales and facility rentals.
“These projects are a testament to the hard work and ingenuity of organizations throughout the north to build strong, sustainable communities,” says NDIT CEO Joel McKay in a news release today (March 1).
“This announcement marks the first set of project approvals through our new suite of community development programs, which were unanimously supported by every local government in the north. A huge thank you goes out to our applicants, regional advisors, board directors and staff for bringing this important milestone to fruition.”
Other funding was approved for the following projects in the region:
- $107,523 = Recreation Infrastructure program for the Valemount Curling Club ice plant replacement
- $168,974 = District of Vanderhoof through the Main Street Revitalization Capital program to upgrade street lighting on Burrard Street
- $200,000 = City of Terrace through the Main Street Revitalization Capital program for the enhancement of Lazelle Boulevard
- $232,666 = Atlin District Airport Association through the Economic Infrastructure program for Atlin Airport fuel system and lighting upgrade
- $300,000 = My Mountain Co-op through the Recreation Infrastructure program to install a new beginner conveyor lift at the Shames Mountain ski area near Terrace
- $300,000 = Tse’k’wa Heritage Society (THS) through the Cultural Infrastructure program to assist in developing the Tse’k’wa (“rock house” in Dane Zaa, also known as Charlie Lake Cave) National Historic Site in order to welcome the public for interpretive experiences
- $300,000 = Fort Nelson Historical Society through the Cultural Infrastructure program for the Fort Nelson Heritage Museum expansion
- Includes two-story addition to the existing museum building, set to increase the museum floor area by 240 per cent
