RuralBC SECRETARIAT REGIONAL OFFICES

 

Northern Development Initiative Trust

The Northern Development Initiative Trust (Northern Trust) was established in October 2004 through an act of legislation passed by the current government of BC. Initially infused with two deposits totalling $185 million, it is a regionally operated economic development funding corporation for central and northern British Columbia. The Northern Trust operates independently from government and provides the funding and ability to identify and pursue new opportunities for stimulating economic growth and job creation.

The Northern Trust mandate is to be a catalyst for strategic economic development at the local and regional levels to achieve its mission of helping northern BC communities create and sustain world-class industries and diversified economies.

The Northern Trust covers approximately 70 per cent of the Province, which includes communities from the south at Lytton to the north at Fort Nelson, and from the east at Valemount to the west at the Queen Charlotte Islands.

Northern Trust funding programs are generally available to local governments, First Nations, and not-for-profit agencies for projects that are implemented within the Trust area - please consult the eligibility matrix for more specific information. There is a specific Business Competitiveness Program that is directly targeted at business. Each project must demonstrate measurable economic benefits such as job creation and increased revenues/sales.

The Northern Trust is managed by a 13-member Board of Directors, and an executive staff of six located in Prince George.

Southern Interior Development Initiative Trust

On Feb. 27, 2006 the government of British Columbia enacted legislation launching the Southern Interior Development Initiative Trust with a $50 million one time allocation paid into a Regional Account. The Trust has the full powers and capacity of an individual and is not an agent of the government.

The objective of the Southern Interior Development Initiative Trust is to help grow and diversify the economy of the Southern Interior of British Columbia through economic development initiatives in 10 key sectors.

Governance of the Trust is the responsibility of a 13 member Board of Directors. Four Directors are appointed by each of two Regional Advisory Committees (RACs) representing the Columbia Kootenay and Thompson Okanagan regions. The remaining five directors, all of which are from the Trust area, are appointed by the provincial government. RAC membership is comprised of local government elected officials and members of the Legislative Assembly, from the region.

Island Coastal Economic Trust (North Island - Coast Development Initiative Trust)

The Island Coastal Economic Trust was created by the government of British Columbia on Feb. 27, 2006 under Bill 7 -- North Island-Coast Development Initiative Trust -- to help grow and diversify the economy of the North Island-Coast area by leveraging new investment and partnerships for economic opportunities.

The Island Coastal Economic Trust's primary objective is to be a catalyst to build a diverse and sustainable Island Coastal Economy.

The Trust provides funding to create new and sustainable regional economic growth through strategic investments in targeted “sectors” with the north Island, coastal and Sunshine Coast regional economy.

 

Columbia Basin Trust

The Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) supports efforts by the people of the Basin to create a legacy of social, economic and environmental well-being and to achieve greater self-sufficiency for present and future generations.

Working closely with people who live in the Basin, CBT develops and delivers programs and initiatives that respond to their needs and supports communities. By focusing on local priorities and issues, bringing people together around key issues, providing information, encouraging collaboration, and supporting planning, CBT is delivering benefits to the residents of the Columbia Basin. Learn more about how CBT works with communities.

Using the income earned from the Investment Program, CBT's Delivery of Benefits activities supports programs and initiatives which focus on fostering quality of life and addressing critical issues in the Basin.

The CBT was created in 1995 to promote social, economic and environmental well-being in the Canadian portion of the Columbia River Basin - the region most affected by the Columbia River Treaty.

Nechako-Kitamaat Development Fund

The Nechako-Kitamaat Development Fund Society is a grant-making agency that assists the people of North West British Columbia, and in particular the Nechako region and Kitamaat Village, by sponsoring sustainable economic and community stability projects in the area most affected by the Kemano project and the creation of the Nechako Reservoir.

The Government of B.C. and Alcan Inc. each contributed $7.5 million to establish the Northern Development Fund in 1999. The investment income generated from this fund supports the NKDF grants program. Each partner has one representative serving on the board of directors. The NKDF is part of the portfolio of the Minister of Community Development.