Downtown Vernon will become a little more vibrant and safe thanks to a government-funded Job Creation Partnerships “Place-Making” project, which will aid in the planning, design and engagement of public spaces.

The project, which has been underway since October, will see the Downtown Vernon Association provide work experience to two people as they develop a guide and operations manual for businesses to manage street safety and security. The finished products will be provided to key stakeholders and community partners.

The Downtown Vernon Association is receiving nearly $25,000 from the Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation’s Community and Employer Partnerships fund. In-kind funding from the City of Vernon, Interior Health, and Downtown Kelowna amounts to an additional $78,251.

The project is providing two people with 40 weeks of work experience in publicity and social marketing, computer applications, data research and analysis, survey development, preparation of reports, conducting interviews and production of other written materials and visual aids. At the end of the project, they will be in a strong position to find opportunities for sustainable employment.

Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation funding is provided through the Job Creation Partnerships stream of the Community and Employer Partnerships program, which funds projects that increase employability levels and share labour market information.

Community and Employer Partnerships are featured in B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint and provide support to people who are struggling to gain a foothold in the job market. It also helps build stronger partnerships with industry and labour to connect British Columbians with classroom instruction and on-the-job training, while making it easier for employers to hire the skilled workers they need – when and where they need them.

To date, more than 1,400 job seekers have benefited from work experience and more than 260 projects have been funded throughout the province.

Quotes:

Michelle Stilwell, Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation –

“It’s great to see a project like this provide work experience for two deserving individuals while benefiting all of downtown Vernon. I’m personally excited to note that part of this project will help improve accessibility in the downtown area, which is bringing British Columbia one step closer to achieving its goal of becoming the most accessible province by 2024.”

Eric Foster, MLA for Vernon-Monashee –

“It’s better for all Vernon residents when our city is both vibrant and safe, which is why I am so excited about this project. Ensuring that the downtown area is a place where people want to keep coming means that Vernon will continue to thrive and grow. I appreciate the work that the two project participants are doing to make the heart of the City of Vernon a better place.”

Lara Konkin, executive director, Downtown Vernon Association –

“The Downtown Vernon Association has been involved in multiple Job Creation Partnerships in the past. We are very appreciative of the opportunity to receive funding from the Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation, which helps us provide meaningful work experience for eligible candidates and often results in long-term job placement. The Street Management project outcomes and activities will have a direct and positive benefit for our membership and the community of Vernon for years to come.”

Kacie Woodley, project participant –

“Working with Community Futures has been beneficial in so many ways to further my development personally and professionally. Through the JCP contract I have had the opportunity to be reacquainted into the community of Vernon while being provided with necessary skills training to aid the transition into a new field of work. I look forward to my continued training with the DVA and appreciate their support in my ongoing exploration of potential and suitable careers.”

Quick Facts:

• Local WorkBC Employment Services centres play a leading role in connecting eligible job seekers to Job Creation Partnerships and Project-Based Labour Market Training opportunities in their communities. Once a connection between the client and a suitable project has been made, the WorkBC centre continues to provide financial support and services to ensure the client’s success.
• In 2016-17, the ministry has committed to investing $331 million in employment and labour market programs under the Employment Program of British Columbia.
• The Employment Program of BC is funded by the Province of British Columbia and the Government of Canada through the Labour Market Development Agreement.
• Funding supports 84 WorkBC Employment Services Centres throughout the province and the five components of the Community and Employer Partnerships fund:
  1. Job Creation Partnerships
  2. Labour Market Partnerships
  3. Project-Based Labour Market Training
  4. Research and Innovation
  5. Social Innovation

Who is eligible for Community and Employer Partnerships funding?

• Businesses
• Non-profit organizations
• Crown corporations
• Municipalities, agencies or territorial governments
• First Nation bands/tribal councils

Public health and educational institutions