The CRD Board of Directors agreed to support in principle a request by the Xeni Gwet’in to the NDIT for $250,000 in grant funding from the Cariboo-Chilcotin/Lillooet Regional Development Account, under the Economic Development Infrastructure program. The funding will be used to restore a decommissioned airport site, bringing it up to current regulatory standards.
Major capital works at the site include improvements and upgrades to the runway, and the construction and installation of fencing. Other funding for the project, which has a total value of $395,000, is proposed to come from Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, and from the Cariboo-Chilcotin Aboriginal Training Employment Centre.
The CRD Board also agreed to support an application to the Xat’sull Development Corporation. The request is for $250,000 in grant funding from the Economic Diversification Infrastructure program.
The Xat’sull Development Corporation is proposing to renovate, expand and reopen an existing commercial property located on Soda Creek IR 1. The proposed project includes upgrading and renovating the existing building for a commercial gas bar, restaurant and convenience store.
A new branded gas bar will be installed and the building will be expanded by 1,300 square feet to accommodate a new convenience store. Existing space in the building will be fully renovated to allow for a leasable restaurant space. Further information about the NDIT is available online at northerndevelopment.bc.ca.
Election of CRD Chair and Vice‐Chair
The CRD’s Electoral Area G Director Al Richmond, and Electoral Area A Director Ted Armstrong were re-elected during Friday’s meeting as Chair and Vice-Chair respectively. This marks the eighth consecutive year as Chair and Vice-Chair for Richmond and Armstrong.
Provisional Budgets Adopted
The Cariboo Regional District’s 2016 provisional budgets for the CRD, and the Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District were endorsed. Copies of the budget will be available for viewing on the CRD website, at all three CRD offices and in the CRD Branch libraries in 100 Mile House, Quesnel and Williams Lake. The Regional District Board of Directors and staff encourage all residents to review the documents and provide any feedback prior to the budget’s final adoption on March 24, 2016.
Business Façade Improvement Program
The CRD will be supporting an application to the Northern Development Initiative Trust (NDIT) under the Business Façade Improvement funding program. The request is for $20,000 in grant funding from the Cariboo-Chilcotin/Lillooet Regional Development Account, for the communities of Likely and Horsefly, and the Interlakes area. The Business Façade Improvement program provides annual grant funding of up to $20,000 for municipalities and regional districts to enhance economic development by encouraging private sector investment in businesses façade improvements. Acceptable projects include complete exterior improvements such as building façades, signage, murals, architectural features, siding, lighting and awnings. The CRD will work closely with partner community organizations including the Likely and District Chamber of Commerce, Horsefly Board of Trade, and Interlakes Economic Association to successfully deliver the program in each area.
