Five local workers, community members and tourists will benefit from a snowmobile trail restoration project in the Green Lake area, as a result of more than $72,000 in provincial Job Creation Partnership funding.

The Government of B.C. has partnered with the Green Lake Snowmobile Society to provide five local workers with 21 weeks of work experience and skill development training in trail restoration, general construction, plumbing and carpentry.

The workers were hired to clean, widen and repair McIntosh, Dudley Kill and an unnamed trail in the Green Lake area that were damaged by pine beetles and total about 50 kilometres.

The workers will also upgrade Jeep Lake campsite and install 40 new trail signs, two outhouses, and six benches in the Green Lake area. In addition, the workers will help renovate the Green Lake Clubhouse, which includes expanding the kitchen, meeting room, installing two washrooms, a wheelchair ramp and septic tank, and painting the exterior. The project is expected to finish in March 2015.

Job Creation Partnerships like this 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 -

“Government is committed to helping British Columbians get the skills they need to find work and the Green Lake snowmobile community centre and trails project is a shining example. This project will help support tourism and the local economy, and provide useful work experience for local workers.”

MLA for Fraser-Nicola Jackie Tegart -

“This Job Creation Partnership project is great news for 70 Mile House, participants from the region who will develop valuable skills and for snowmobile enthusiasts from across the province. When complete, families, local residents and visitors will experience significant improvements to the trails and upgraded facilities. Thank you to everyone involved in this project. You should be proud of your contribution to building a healthy and vibrant community.”

MLA for Cariboo-Chilcotin Donna Barnett -

“As a snowmobile enthusiast, I’m thrilled to see this project move along and can’t wait to ride the trails. I commend the Green Lake Snowmobile Society and Government of B.C. for working together to help local residents gain new job skills and support healthy recreation and strong communities.”

Green Lake Snowmobile Society president and project manager Peter McKie -

“This project will benefit both the participants and the Green Lake area with an improved meeting place and a rejuvenated trail system. It’s a pleasure to watch the participants enjoy what they are doing while learning new skills which will hopefully benefit them in their future endeavours.”

Green Lake Snowmobile Society project participant Jordan Wood -

“I have enjoyed learning the construction and all the little tips to make the work go smoothly throughout the whole process.”

Green Lake Snowmobile Society project participant June Connon -

“All the training so far is great. Some of my favourites include building the clubhouse addition from the ground right up to installing the roof. Learning the whole plumbing process was also a lot of fun. Anyone going out looking for full time employment would benefit from a program like this.”

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 photos of the employees, visit: http://ow.ly/G7vuP

Media Contacts:

Daisy Brooke
Public Affairs Officer
Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation
250 356-2282