The old Nakusp fire hall will go from code red to green thumbs as it’s reborn as a year-round farmers’ market, thanks to a $130,000 in partnership funding from the Government of B.C.

Four people are getting work experience through a Job Creation Partnership renovating the fire hall that was built in 1949. The quartet of unemployed workers will help transform the classic building with the false front into a year-round market and agricultural hub that will also be headquarters for a local weavers’ club, theatre rehearsal space and a teaching space for courses on food production. It will also provide post-harvest storage for fruit and vegetables and a tool library from which local farmers and gardeners can sign out equipment like tractors, tillers and tools on loan from other farmers and gardeners.

Workers will get job experience in carpentry, construction and renovations, while learning about safe working practices over 28 weeks, ending May 29, 2015.

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 480 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 −

“The four workers on this Job Creation Partnership will get great work experience that will not only help transform the old Nakusp fire hall into an active farmers’ market and community space, they will be helping to preserve a local piece of history, which will look great on their resumes.”

Old Fire Hall Collective Society president Rosemary Hughes −

“The repurposing of the old fire hall in Nakusp would not have become a reality without the support of the Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation. It is a privilege to have the opportunity to provide a quality work experience for four participants and rejuvenate a building built by volunteers in 1949.”

Job Creation Partnership participant Steve −

“It’s great to be part of the project to repurpose a building that my Dad helped build.”

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
• Crown corporations
• 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

Media Contacts:

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