TERRACE, B.C. – Community infrastructure in the Northwest is receiving a significant boost through the Northern Healthy Communities Fund (NHCF), with over $150,000 in combined provincial funding allocated for projects in Kitimat and the Metlakatla First Nation near Prince Rupert.
These Northwest initiatives are among 18 projects selected in 2025 to share $5.6 million through the NHCF, which supports communities experiencing pressures from large-scale industrial development, particularly near LNG Canada and Coastal GasLink sites.
Focus on Youth and Emergency Services
The funding addresses critical needs in two key areas:
- Kitimat Youth Centre Renovation:
- The Kitimat Community Services Society is receiving $14,930 (part of a total project cost of $18,676) to renovate the Kitimat Youth Centre.
- The centre serves marginalized youth aged 10 to 18, and the upgrades include new appliances to support a food and nutrition program and improve the comfort of the drop-in space.
- Metlakatla Fire Hall Upgrade:
- Metlakatla First Nation is receiving a substantial grant of $135,678 (part of a total project cost of $169,600).
- This project aims to address urgent health and safety risks at the community’s fire hall with new equipment and personal protective gear.
- The need for this upgrade is compounded by economic activity stemming from two pipeline agreements the First Nation has signed with the province, placing additional demands on emergency services.
Provincial Commitment to Growth and Safety
The NHCF, administered by the Northern Development Initiative Trust (NDIT), supports projects focused on housing, healthcare, child care, and emergency services, with grants up to $500,000 for capital projects.
Christine Boyle, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs, stressed the importance of supporting local services during periods of growth. “When families and individuals have access to better services close to home, it means more opportunities and more time together,” she said.
Ben Campbell, CEO of the NDIT, noted the competitive nature of the funding rounds. “The work of these 18 proponents, supported by over $5 million in committed investment, will bolster the fabric of their communities for years to come,” he said. The initiative is a collaborative effort designed to ensure Northwest communities have the resources they need to remain strong and connected.
