The region is said to be in line for benefits from the 2015 Canada Winter Games (CWGs) right along with host city Prince George, says Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development Coralee Oakes.
"I remember that rush of excitement when premier Gordon Campbell announced that Prince George was the winning bid," Oakes said. "It felt very much like my community had won, and it still does. When you are from the north, I think the term 'community' means something different than in larger urban areas. I think we see connections differently in the north."
There is already funding being used by small regional towns to develop their local sports initiatives and Oakes announced more funding on Friday for pre-Games preparation initiatives specifically for non-Prince George places.
"So far, we've reached over 30 communities - like Francois Lake, Tachet, Kitwanga, Port Edward, and the Tlazten and Yekooche First Nations - training trainers and purchasing equipment so that opportunities are now and will continue to be accessible in the future," said Oakes.
"What's exciting is having first class facilities here...for athletes all over the region," said Fraser-Fort George Regional District chair Art Kaehn, who sees an athletic centre of excellence in Prince George as being closer and a more convenient location for regional communities than the places usually home to such facilities.
"I like to see the region working together, it builds relationships that help out in more areas than just sports," said Fraser Lake mayor Dwayne Lindstrom. "Prince George is the hub, let's face it, but that isn't a bad thing to have a regional centre. My wife has one of the best junior curling clubs around, and I'm not sure exactly how it's going to happen yet but we see the Canada Winter Games effects bringing opportunities to the kids of Fraser Lake involved in curling. It might be just coming to see some of the best curlers in the country and learning from that, but maybe better coaching, better officiating, keeping better facilities, who knows what all could come our way."
It may be only across the river and down the road about 20 minutes but the Lheidli T'enneh government is grappling with opportunities the winter games represent for them. Band councillor Jennifer Pighin has already been involved in the winter games with her art skills, and she is excited about the prospects for the regional aboriginal population long after the Games are complete.
"Spark a Winter Sports Day/Week and a Summer Sports Day/Week. [Promote] healthy living," she suggested. "Revive the Giscome Trail or grease trails for long distance hikes / snowshoeing / tourism and train regional First Nations - paired with elders - for hosting eco-tourism ventures."
Ideas like this have been floating around and the surrounding towns and villages are, at the municipal level, exploring innovation potential for business and not-for-profit alike.
"Opportunities to train and educate coaches in the north has been increasing," said one connected to northern athletics.
"Let's create a P.G. annual sports day to foster physical activity, recreation and health," said one involved in the health sector. "Something like a gala at CN Centre to present active athletes and capacities in sports would be cool."
