Northern Innovation Network Luncheon Highlights Return of Northern Angel Summit
CHETWYND, B.C. — March 19, 2026, the Northern Innovation Network hosted a special luncheon at the Chetwynd Public Library that brought together local business leaders, entrepreneurs, and community members to celebrate the Northern Angel Summit's 2026 return. A diverse group of people eager to learn more about investment and entrepreneurship opportunities in central and northern British Columbia attended the event, which was a part of the Chamber's "Mind Your Business" luncheon series.
Mr. Shannon Stange, Director of Business Development, gave an overview of the organization's function as a nonprofit technology and innovation business accelerator that supports Northern British Columbian entrepreneurs. The group helps companies expand without the stress of competition by offering coaching, mentoring, consulting, and funding. He underlined that major industries like forestry, mining, manufacturing, construction, oil and gas, and professional services continue to change as a result of technological advancement, and that innovation and technology are crucial to regional economic development.
Additionally, attendees learned about new developments in the area, including engineering, agri-tech, bio-tech, clean technology, digital and AI-driven solutions, and financial technology. According to Stange, innovation can take many different forms, such as creating new technologies or incorporating or importing them into already-existing companies. The presentation showcased actual Northern Angel Summit success stories, such as the 2025 winner, a business creating solar panel technology that is stronger, lighter, and more resilient and has uses outside of the marine sector. Forefront Energy, another featured company, is developing off-grid power solutions to lower methane emissions in the oil and gas industry.
As it enters its second year, the Northern Angel Summit continues to link investors with promising startups, fostering economic growth and innovation throughout central and northern British Columbia.
Attendees engaged in networking opportunities over lunch after the presentation, sharing ideas and considering possible partnerships. Members of the Chetwynd Chamber were able to attend the luncheon for free, while non-members had to pay a fee. Growing interest in innovation and entrepreneurship in Chetwynd and the surrounding communities was reflected in the high attendance.
Residents and business owners are urged by the organizers to learn more and participate in the upcoming Northern Angel Summit and future programs.
Watch the Youtube Full Video : https://youtu.be/oGa04RXtkwA
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Mayor Highlights Key Projects and Community Priorities at Economic Update
The Mayor's Economic Update and Dinner on Thursday night, March 12, 2026, brought together local leaders and business owners. The event was hosted by the Chetwynd Chamber of Commerce. Allen Courtoreille addressed the audience directly with local issues. Thirty-six companies were represented.
Mayor Allen discussed the main initiatives the municipality is pursuing. These included community services, public safety, infrastructure, and economic development.
One topic was infrastructure. The mayor gave the audience an update on the water and sewer systems. A $1.7 million award will be used to repair the water system. There was a building season for the Public Works department. The recreation center was repainted. The library was also demolished. Roads, parks, and buildings are still being upgraded by the town.
Additional improvements highlighted included safety upgrades to sidewalks, repainting along the south side access road near Duz Cho, and continued investment in community spaces such as the community centre and parks.
The Mayor also talked about how we need to be safe. The Fire Department had to go to 166 emergencies. This shows that we need volunteer firefighters to help keep our community safe. Especially, with all the wildfires we have been having. The Mayor wants people to think about volunteering to be a firefighter. He said that the staff and volunteers are very important when it comes to keeping us safe in an emergency. The Mayor wants people to volunteer to help the Fire Department and the community. The community needs people to help with safety and emergency response.
Recognition was also given to staff and volunteers for their hard work in delivering services and moving forward important projects. The Mayor said that without their help many projects wouldn't happen.
Other topics discussed were updates on the building improvement program. This program has helped 32 businesses over six years by giving them money to improve their building fronts. There were also talks, about housing, recreation and community development.
The session also covered opportunities and challenges. This included new industrial developments how transportation might be affected and long-term plans to make the local economy stronger. Staff and volunteers efforts are crucial.
They help with delivering services and advancing projects.
The importance of open communication and community engagement was emphasized as the evening came to a close with a question-and-answer period where attendees could voice concerns, ask questions, and share ideas directly with the mayor and municipal staff.
Watch the full video on our youtube channel: https://youtu.be/FRVnohW-KzM
More Pictures: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1NAWdnVcHA/
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Chetwynd Chamber of Commerce Luncheon Meeting
The Community of Chetwynd has remained active with numerous events and activities bringing residents together. Local groups and volunteers have been working together for the planning of events, community services, and informational workshops for the community.
The most recent Chetwynd Chamber of Commerce Luncheon Meeting with Western LNG has been postponed due to poor driving conditions. Road condition updates will be posted. Luncheon meetings are an excellent way for community members and businesses to connect, chat, and highlight changes in the community.
Community organizations are still working on events and projects that promote engagement, provide support to local businesses, and create ties in the community.
Keep an eye out for the new announcements and activities in Chetwynd.
Youtube Link:
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Community Gathers for "Tumbler Ridge Strong" BBQ and Silent Auction
During the Tumbler Ridge Strong BBQ & Silent Auction, a community-led fundraiser to help the people of Tumbler Ridge, residents and businesses in Chetwynd came together in an amazing show of support.
Some of the team members who worked together to make this event possible.
The event was held in North Wind Supplies, which brought together local groups, volunteers, and businesses to put on a community barbecue, a silent auction, and a donation drive. The event brought people together in the region, from families eating together to supporters bidding on auction items.
Businesses and people gave a lot of different things to the auction, like experiences, gift cards, and other valuable prizes. People in the community also helped raise a lot of money by buying BBQs and making direct donations.
The people in charge say the fundraiser was set up so that people from nearby communities could show their support and solidarity during a hard time. The event showed how quickly people and businesses in the area were willing to help their neighbors.
The organizers say that the total amount raised was $112,481.70, and all of it will go to helping families and community needs in Tumbler Ridge.
The event was held last February 28, 2026.
The large number of people who came and the large donations were a strong reminder of how closely connected the communities in the Peace Region are. A lot of volunteers, sponsors, and supporters gave their time, money, and other resources to make sure the event went well.
As the fundraising effort comes to an end, the people in charge say that the huge amount of support shows how strong the area is and how willing people are to work together when it matters most.
More Event Pictures: https://www.facebook.com/media/set?vanity=61576514747186...
Youtube Event Teaser: https://youtu.be/sUBWhEnb6Cs?si=a7TdWP0sFPrShcXd
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Internet and Cell Service Outage Affects Chetwynd Residents
CHETWYND, BC — February 26, 2026 — Internet and cellular services were disrupted for several hours on Thursday, February 26, in Chetwynd leaving many residents without phone connectivity and ability to access the online world.
The outage impacted mobile phone users as well as home internet customers, with some residents saying their devices displayed “No Service” or “SOS Only.” During the disruption, businesses and households that depended on internet connections were also affected.
Message received from Telus:
While the cause hasn’t been officially confirmed yet, outages that impact both internet and cellular networks simultaneously are generally attributed to issues with telecommunications infrastructure, such as damaged fiber lines or equipment failure or loss of power affecting local towers. In rural communities such as Chetwynd, one network interruption can affect a large area due to fewer routes for infrastructure.
Service was eventually restored later in the day, and connectivity has since returned to normal for most customers.
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