Big grant, little train
The Regional District of Fraser-Fort George approved $5,000 in grants to help the Fort George Park steam train get back on track.
The one-time grant will help The Exploration Place and Fort George Railway Society cover the start-up costs to get the train operating for the first time since 2007. The estimated cost to operate the train 25 days on weekends and statutory holidays is $37,081.
The City of Prince George already approved a $12,261 start-up grant and five-year operating plan for the train.
The city owns the train, which was built by Davenport in 1912, and was used during the construction of the Grand Truck Pacific Railway.
Since 1975, the miniature train has been a fixture in Fort George Park.
Growing the North
Community Futures of Fraser-Fort George is looking to boost local agriculture by enhancing the networks between producers, distributors and consumers.
The Regional District of Fraser-Fort George is contributing up to $20,000 to the agency for its Beyond the Market: Growing the North strategy.
The $200,000 will include pilot projects such as local purchasing policies and access the feasibility of regional storage, distribution and processing of agricultural products.
In addition to Community Futures and the regional district, the Omineca Beetle Action Coalition and the Rural Economic Development Initiative B.C. are contributing to the project.
Fun on the slopes
Powder King Mountain Resort is seeking to include patron-participation entertainment to its list of amenities.
Currently the resort's restaurant is licensed for food-primary liquor service - allowing it to offer alcoholic beverages while patrons are dining.
Powder King has applied to the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch to allow entertainment like karaoke nights or live music.
The regional district board of directors has endorsed the resort's bid to expand its offerings.
