Eighteen projects across northern British Columbia are receiving a total of $5.6 million through the Northern Healthy Communities Fund (NHCF), supporting local initiatives in housing, emergency services, child care, and health programs. The fund, administered by the Northern Development Initiative Trust (NDIT), provides up to $500,000 per project to help communities respond to growing demands linked to economic development, including LNG Canada and Coastal GasLink projects.
In Fort St. John, the Association for Community Living will retrofit underutilized office space into an accessible community centre, supported by $500,000. The city’s Housing Solutions Initiative receives $294,500 to explore community-led strategies to address housing shortages and improve housing security for at-risk residents.
The Saik’uz First Nation will construct a two-bay fire hall with $500,000, enhancing emergency response and community safety. Similarly, the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation is building a fire hall on IR #2 land with $500,000 to strengthen local emergency services. The Metlakatla First Nation is upgrading its fire hall with $135,678 to improve safety and purchase necessary equipment and protective gear.
Dawson Creek is benefiting from two NHCF projects: $500,000 to establish a standalone Emergency Operations Centre and $500,000 for a licensed aging care home serving adults with developmental disabilities, ensuring residents can access specialized care close to home.
In Kitimat, the Community Services Society is renovating a youth centre with $14,930 to provide a welcoming space for marginalized youth and support nutrition programs. Mackenzie is receiving $238,078 to renovate town centre units, expanding space for health support services and addiction counseling.
Terrace is expanding child care offerings with $300,000 to add 26 new spaces and increase age group coverage. The City of Terrace is also hiring an Infrastructure Development Technician with $228,400 to streamline permitting and development processes. In Fort St. James, a Planner/Development Services Coordinator position is funded with $291,500 to help address housing and rental shortages.
The Town of Smithers has received $23,400 to hire a consultant to develop a Winter Emergency Plan, supporting the safety and well-being of unhoused populations during cold months. Kitamaat Village/Haisla will hire staff, including a client aftercare coordinator and cultural Elders, with $284,550 to support First Nation treatment programs. The Association Advocating for Women and Children (AWAC) will use $261,128 to hire staff with lived experience to help vulnerable youth through culturally relevant, trauma-informed programs.
Since 2021, the NHCF has funded approximately 130 community-led projects totaling over $25 million, helping northern communities remain healthy, resilient, and prepared for rapid economic growth.
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