By northerners, for northerners

The Northern Development Initiative Trust board, regional advisory committees and staff have a passion for growing the economy of central and northern British Columbia. When the Premier of British Columbia announced the Northern Development Initiative Trust, it was on the premise that, “The best economic development decisions for the North should be made in the North.”

Northern Development is an independent, non-profit corporation; a catalyst stimulating economic growth through investments in grassroots, community-led projects.
Established through provincial legislation

On October 6, 2004 the Province of British Columbia introduced Bill 59, the Northern Development Initiative Trust Act.

On September 21, 2005, the Province of British Columbia introduced Bill 6, the Northern Development Initiative Trust Amendment Act, 2005. Under Bill 6, the Trust received an additional capital infusion of $50 million from the Province.

Established through these acts of legislation, and initially infused with two deposits totaling $185 million, Northern Development is a regionally operated economic development funding corporation for central and northern British Columbia. Northern Development operates independently from government and provides the funding and ability to identify and pursue new opportunities for stimulating economic growth and job creation within the region.
Investing in a sustainable future for our vibrant, growing region

As of June 30, 2015, Northern Development has provided $130 million in funding towards over 1,820 projects in central and northern B.C. communities driving more than $1.2 billion of investment by communities, business, and government into the region’s economy. Having exceeded our original targets, we are now focused on attracting up to $2 billion in investment to the region by 2015 and ensuring that the original $185 million in capital will sustainably ensure a trust that benefits the region for generations. Communities, First Nations and businesses of the north are leaders in creating jobs, new revenues and improving the quality of life in our region. Ever increasing partnerships are a testament to the strength of leadership in this northern decade of prosperity.

In addition to flowing funding into communities, Northern Development makes a difference through working with municipalities, regional districts and First Nations to build economic development staff and program capacity. The Grant Writing Support program enables grant writing positions in up to 54 communities each year, dramatically increasing the success communities have in applying for and securing grants. Northern Development’s internship program places university graduates from rural communities into short term economic development and local government roles as part of a practical hands-on six month training program. Energetic and enthusiastic young professionals provide direct assistance with economic development projects and gain the ‘real-life’ experience to be recruited into full-time economic development positions. Another valuable resource for growing businesses is Northern Development’s Competitiveness Consulting Rebate program. This provides a fifty percent rebate on business consulting expertise which allows companies to increase their productivity and accelerate revenues and employment as a result.

The projects highlighted throughout Northern Development’s website are among hundreds of success stories where Northern Development has played a role, working alongside the people of central and northern British Columbia.

Write a letter to the editor, sounds like a government ad of which I see to much of. This funding project would have a little more attractiveness if local contactors and employees gain the contract for the work.

Seems like another level of Government to me. Non elected of course.

Has the airport or Commonwealth Campuses paid any money down on their NDIT loans ?

Digitus. I believe that in their so called report to the City this month that they made a reference to start making payments. So in essence they still owe in excess of $11 Million. Lots of NDIT money floating around.

Seems strange to me that the Government would set up a group of unelected private citizens to spend the money from the Sale of BC Rail. The concept on the surface seems good, and seems to be working, however, much like the Airport Authority, BC Ferries, ICBC, etc; these entities are not in the true sense of the word responsible to taxpayers.

So in the case of the Ferries, BC Transit, Airport Authority,ICBC we get taxation without representation.

If we are going to have these entities handle these types of projects, then at some point we have to ask the question. What do we need Governments for?. I guess the answer would be we need them to set up contracts and entities, and hand out our money.

NDIT’s grant structure is complicated and pushes away many projects. In many cases they need a huge amount of investment to obtain the grants in the first place. There they sit, on 5th ave with millions of dollars and not making an impact they believe they are.

I also believe it was incredibly unprofessional of the CEO, Janine North for publicly endorsing Shari Green for the nomination for the conservatives in Cariboo-PG. She even introduced herself as the CEO. Being the face of a government organization, you should always remain politically neutral in public, regardless as to your beliefs. How did she keep her job after that?