ATV trails between Christina Lake and Grand Forks have been upgraded, benefiting locals and tourists alike, thanks to more than $52,000 in Job Creation Partnership funding, which gave three people work experience in trail maintenance and construction.

Over the course of the 15-week project, which wrapped up Oct. 10, workers improved trails and built infrastructure at three multi-use sites. At each site, workers built an information kiosk for trail users, a picnic bench, portable washroom, an ATV unloading station and signage.

Job Creation Partnerships are part of the Employment Program of BC’s Community and Employer Partnerships, which fund projects that increase employability and share labour market information.

To date, more than 420 job seekers have benefited from work experience and more than 110 projects have been funded throughout the province.

The Community and Employer Partnerships program is featured in B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint that helps align training and education with in-demand jobs and provides more support to people who are struggling to gain a foothold in the job market or who face unique challenges.

Quotes:

Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation Don McRae −

“Building information kiosks and picnic benches for ATV trail users are examples of hammer-and-nails, on-the-ground skills that workers get on a Community and Employer Partnership, so they can get a permanent, full-time job.”

Boundary-Similkameen MLA Linda Larson −

“The upgraded all-terrain vehicle trails and rest areas will benefit the Grand Forks and Christina Lake communities for years to come and provide a great recreational opportunity for people, whether they’re community residents or visitors to this beautiful area.”  

Grand Forks ATV Club vice-president Doug Zorn −

“This Job Creation  Partnership has been recognized by many in the region as a very important economic, environmental, and a proactive endeavor that benefits the participants and the community where they live.”

Quick Facts:

• In 2014-15, the ministry has committed to investing $331 million in employment and labour market programs under the Employment Program of BC.
• The Employment Program of BC is funded by the Province of British Columbia as well as the Government of Canada through the Labour Market Development Agreement.
• Funding supports 85 WorkBC Employment Services Centres throughout the province and the four components of the Community and Employer Partnerships fund:
  • Job Creation Partnerships
  • Labour Market Partnerships
  • Project-Based Labour Market Training
  • Research and Innovation

Who is eligible?

• Businesses
• Non-profit organizations
• Municipalities, agencies or territorial governments
• Bands/tribal councils
• Public health and educational institutions

Learn More:

For more information on Community and Employer Partnerships: www.workbc.ca/CEP

To find a local WorkBC Employment Services Centre: www.workbccentres.ca

To learn more about the Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation: www.gov.bc.ca/sdsi

For a photo of participants in action: https://flic.kr/p/pGhrUe

To find out more about the Grand Forks ATV Club: www.gfatv.ca

Media Contacts:

Grant Kerr
Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation
250 387-5635