More than 62 Aboriginal learners in the Cariboo Region are receiving training in their communities through four programs that will help them upgrade skills for a variety of occupations and prepare for jobs such as language support workers and translators.

Williams Lake area families are being encouraged to attend an open house on Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2017, to share their ideas on how to transform rural education in British Columbia.

As of Jan. 16, 2017, British Columbians looking to purchase their first home can apply to the B.C. Home Owner Mortgage and Equity Partnership program, which helps first-time homebuyers create secure and stable futures for their families through home ownership.

With a fresh new year ahead, single mother Morgan Hegg of Williams Lake can resolve to continue on the new career path she has chosen.

Up to 299 British Columbians from rural communities will receive the training they need for local jobs, thanks to the federal-provincial partnership under the Canada-B.C. Job Fund Agreement.

Christmas is going to be much more jolly for Les Bennett and his family this year. Out of work after spending 25 years in the forestry industry, 56-year-old Les was living in Salmon Arm and out of options. But when a friend directed him to the local WorkBC Employment Services Centre, his life changed for the better – a recommendation that eventually led to a job and a steady paycheque.

Northbound motorists on Highway 97 will experience improved conditions at the northbound pullout, approximately 10 kilometres south of Williams Lake, as work to improve the local amenities at this rest area is now complete.

Work clothes? Check. Books? Check. Tools? Check. A place to stay? Check. Students in the Cariboo-Chilcotin School District are packing their bags and traveling to other B.C. communities for enhanced skills, technical, and trades training opportunities thanks to $5,000 for the school district from the Province’s Skills Training Access Grant.

The B.C. government has distributed over $80,000 in compensation for municipal property taxes to the City of Williams Lake and the District of 100 Mile House.

Residents of the Williams Lake area will see helicopters in the air this week as the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations implements its treatment plan to minimize the spread of Douglas-fir bark beetles on Crown land through selective heli-logging.