More funding puts us over $6 million
Omineca Express - September 09, 2008
In a show of grey suits and blue ties, a conglomerate of Northern Development Fund board members grace the lawn of Vanderhoof District Municipal Office. From left Bruce Sutherland chair, MLA John Rustad, Mayor Nate Bello of Quesnel, Mayor Jack Talstra of Terrace, Mayor Jim Eglinski of Ft St John, Lita Powell of Liecar Property Management of Ft St John, Fred J. Punko of Fred Punko & Associates, Mayor Colin Kinsley of Prince George and Mayor Len Fox of Vanderhoof.
photo by Elaine Storey
The money train made two pit stops in Vanderhoof last week. At the first stoppage on Tuesday, September 2 Cariboo-Chilcotin MP Dick Harris appeared with an Airport Improvement Cheque for $599,928, followed an hour later with a cheque for $274,991 for Spirit Square in the Historic Park, following up with a cheque for $361,009 to replace the foundation of the OK Cafe and to put a gift shop in the Smithers House.
And if is that wasn’t enough, two days later on Thursday, September 4, several members of the Northern Development Trust Fund announced funding for several more projects. At the end of the 30-minute presentation, the District of Vanderhoof headed straight to the bank with another $1.49 million in tow.
Mayor Len Fox spoke glowingly about four huge local projects which include airport lighting and GPS, construction of a new sports field with change houses and bleachers, downtown revitalization to continue with ongoing upgrades, and Spirit Square at the Historic Park.
“We appreciate the support that the Government of Canada has shown for this extremely important project,” said Fox, “Airport lighting will improve the quality of health in our community making Vanderhoof and area a more desirable place to live for existing and new residents. The potential for business expansion and creation for aviation related businesses will help diversify our local and regional economy and make Vanderhoof a better place to live, work and play.”
Fox said there were 18 emergency transfers last year that were forced to use ground transportation because the airport couldn’t facilitate night aircraft.
In addition funding in the amount of $49,298 was announced for the College of New Caledonia to access the viability of a professional pilot program in Vanderhoof. The study will establish an Industry Steering Committee consisting of persons from local small businesses, Carrier First Nation, School District 91, heavy industry, regional government, and local aviation partners. It will also provide long-term financial forecasts, identify program and activity opportunities and identify demographic marketing opportunities.
These latest commitments of funds total $4.2 million and added with previous grants, district administration admit they have secured over $6 million for active projects and the taxpayers have only paid $676,000. In the history of granting, it was normal for municipalities to dedicate one local dollar for every grant dollar. “Those days are over,” said MLA John Rustad, pointing out how this area has been in receipt of a proportionally larger portion of funding than most areas. He added that the record shows how funding in this region has been very substantially increased since the shift in power since 1999.
