Under the BC Rural Dividend Program, the Government of British Columbia is providing $1.76 million for 11 projects in northern B.C., Doug Donaldson, Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, announced today.

The BC Wildfire Service is planning to conduct two prescribed burns in the Northwest Fire Centre beginning on April 19, weather permitting.

Residents and businesses in New Hazelton and Lake Kathlyn will be better able to access faster Internet speeds, thanks to the B.C. government's over-$828,000 investment in two new connectivity projects that will soon get underway by CityWest.

The B.C. government has distributed over $151,000 in compensation for municipal property taxes to the Town of Smithers and the Village of Hazelton.

The northern community of Smithers, through a partnership with Moricetown, is the first to sign on for inter-community BC Transit service, which is made possible through the B.C. government’s $5-million Highway 16 Transportation Action Plan and local government partners.

Work is now complete on a major upgrade to the Hagwilget Bridge.

The BC Wildfire Service is responding to a one-hectare wildfire in the community of Cedarvale, about 46 kilometres southwest of Hazelton.

The Northwest Fire Centre is encouraging the public to use caution when performing any outdoor burning, due to gusty winds and a continued drying trend in the forecast.

The Northwest Fire Centre has responded to five new fires this week, as warm and dry weather continues throughout the region.