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Stronger services will support growing northern communities

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Victoria Wednesday, October 22, 2025 11:00 AM

People in northern B.C. will benefit from improved access to housing, health care, emergency services, child care and community programs, thanks to more than $5 million in funding from the Northern Healthy Communities Fund (NHCF).

“When families and individuals have access to better services close to home, it means more opportunities and more time together,” said Christine Boyle, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. “As northern communities have grown, we’ve invested in people by helping them stay connected, cared for and safe in their communities.”

Through investments of up to $500,000 per project, the NHCF supports initiatives that help communities remain healthy, resilient and ready to meet the challenges that come with large-scale economic development, such as new demands on housing, health care and other essential services.

In 2025, three intakes under NHCF are supporting 18 projects led by local governments, First Nations and non-profit organizations across northern B.C. The $5.6-million investment from the NHCF supports projects, such as:

  • construction of a two-bay fire hall to strengthen emergency response infrastructure for Saik’uz First Nation;
  • creating an accessible community centre in Fort St. John;
  • constructing a long-term care home in Prince George that supports culturally appropriate care for seniors;
  • a stand-alone Emergency Operations Centre in Dawson Creek;
  • expanding food bank’s capacity in Prince George to improve food security and distribution to remote communities;
  • hiring staff to streamline development processes and improve permitting efficiency to address housing and rental shortages in different communities; and
  • expanding child care services in Terrace by adding 26 new spaces and increasing age group offerings.

“From child care to emergency services, people depend on local programs that are close to home,” said Brittny Anderson, Minister of State for Local Governments and Rural Communities. “We’re collaborating with local governments, First Nations and community partners who understand their region’s unique needs, ensuring northern B.C. communities have the resources they need to stay strong and connected.”

As one of the recipients of NHCF funding, Dawson Creek Society for Community Living is establishing a licensed care home for aging adults with developmental disabilities. With $500,000 in support through NHCF, the project will provide a supportive environment where residents can age with dignity and access specialized care in their own community.

“Our aging care home will offer adults with developmental disabilities a safe, nurturing environment where dignity, independence, and joy are prioritized,” said Marla Reed, executive director, Dawson Creek Society for Community Living. “With support from the Northern Healthy Communities Fund, this care home will meet an important need as we continue building a community of compassion and support, right here in Dawson Creek.”

The NHCF is administered by the Northern Development Initiatives Trust (NDIT), an independent non-profit corporation established by the Province that stimulates economic growth through investments in grassroots, community-led projects.

“Again, the three intakes through the Northern Healthy Communities Fund in 2025 were competitive and the successful applicants will be delivering meaningful projects and results to their communities, continuing to meet the intent of the fund to support healthy, sustainable and resilient communities as they face rapid and significant economic development,” said Ben Campbell, CEO, Northern Development Initiative Trust. “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.”

Since its beginning in 2021, the NHCF has supported approximately 130 projects with a total of more than $25 million. NHCF was created to support growing communities adjacent to LNG Canada and Coastal GasLink projects.

Quick Facts: 

  • NHCF supports community-led projects that respond to local needs, including those identified by Indigenous governments and organizations.
  • NHCF has two funding categories that support capital projects (up to $500,000), as well as capacity building (up to $300,000).

Learn More: 

The full list of projects from the 2025 intakes is available here: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/NHCF_Sept2025_ApprovedProjects_BG.pdf

For more information about the Northern Development Initiative Trust, visit: https://www.northerndevelopment.bc.ca/

This is on Govt of BC website go to the link here 

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