A local historical gem received a thorough polishing and upgrade, thanks to a partnership between the government of B.C. and the Salmon Arm Museum and Heritage Association that gave four local people work experience.

The association received more than $21,000 in Job Creation Partnership funding so workers could renovate two historical houses at the R.J. Haney Heritage Village and Museum — the Pidhirney House and the Laitinen House — as well as install a new roof on the Kew log cabin and build and repair split-rail fencing throughout the village.

Workers scraped and painted the exterior of Pidhirney House, repaired its windows, replaced its wood gutters and built a new ramp to improve access to the historic structure for people with disabilities. At the Laitinen House, workers shingled the gabled ends, installed windows, framed and shingled the porch, and painted the exterior windows and doors.

The 26-week project wrapped up on Oct. 17.

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 450 job seekers have benefited from work experience and more than 120 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 ─

“What I love about these Community and Employer Partnerships is the opportunity to provide valuable work experience to local people in their communities. In Salmon Arm, that meant people in work boots and hardhats upgrading a historic jewel.”

Shuswap MLA Greg Kyllo ─

“It’s so great to see local Job Creation Partnerships like this one benefit Salmon Arm and the R.J. Haney Heritage Village and Museum. Visitors will be able to enjoy the work that participants did years from now.”

R.J. Haney Heritage Village and Museum general manager Susan Mackie ─

“This Job Creation partnership has been so important to the R.J. Haney Heritage Village and Museum, enabling us to renovate some of our cherished historic buildings for the public to enjoy and to bring greater accessibility for people with disabilities. We couldn’t do this kind of work without the help of the Province of B.C.”

Project participant Rod ─

“It’s great to learn about local history and being a part of preserving it.”

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 more information on the R.J. Haney Heritage Village and Museum: www.salmonarmmuseum.org

Media Contacts:

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