The B.C. government is providing funding to promote cycling as an accessible transportation option and healthy lifestyle choice for students while providing work experience for two job-seekers from the Alberni Valley.

The province is providing $50,754 in funding to Island Work Transitions for a cycling education project in which two participants will create a bike education curriculum for Wood Elementary school, promote cycling in the community and hold a cycling event at the end of the 26-week project. The participants, referred by a local WorkBC Employment Services Centre, will gain work experience that will help them to be better prepared to re-enter the work force.

The Province will purchase 30 bikes at cost through Ozzie’s Cycle which will be provided to the school for the duration of the project. The bikes will then be donated to the school, allowing the benefits and enjoyment to continue after the project’s conclusion.  

Students will be able to use the bikes as a mode of transportation for field trips in addition to learning about cycling safety and bike maintenance.

This project builds on the recently announced $100,000 in BikeBC funding for the Stamp Avenue Multi-Use Path, which will create further opportunities to enjoy cycling in Port Alberni.

The participants will be using work space at INEO Employment Services, a WorkBC Employment Services Centre, for the duration of the project. The City of Port Alberni will help to promote the cycling event connected with the project.

Funding for the project is provided through the Job Creation Partnerships stream of government’s Community and Employer Partnerships program.

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

Community and Employer Partnerships are featured in B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint and provide more support to people who are struggling to gain a foothold in the job market. It helps build stronger partnerships with industry and labour to connect British Columbians with classroom 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 1,500 job seekers benefited from work experience and more than 270 projects have been funded throughout the province.

Quotes:

Michelle Stilwell, Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation –

“Introducing cycling at a young age helps to create a life-long habit for healthy transportation. This project not only creates work experience for two deserving individuals but also has a positive impact on the next generation of Alberni Valley residents.”

James Messenger, vice principal, Wood Elementary school –

“Wood School is excited to be partnering with Island Work Transitions in order to bring this exciting program to our students and wider school community. The Bike Education Project will be a tremendous opportunity for our community and our students, and staff are excited about the benefits it will bring.”

John Mayba, chair, Cycle Alberni –

“Cycle Alberni is committed to co-ordinating the training of the Job Creation Partnership participants in delivering bicycle safety courses and supervising them as they develop a model for integrating bike education into our schools.  We are very excited about participating in this partnership.”

Terry Deakin, CEO, INEO Employment Services –

“We are excited to roll out this Job Creation Partnership with Island Work Transitions, the city of Port Alberni, Ozzie's Cycle and Cycle Alberni. The Bike Education project is a great example of community partnership integrating economic development, social and physical well-being, education and environmental responsibility. The outcomes will be remarkable.”

Quick Facts:

• The Stamp Avenue Multi-Use Path project will run from Redford Street to Roger Street and create a new, separated, raised, off-road path for pedestrians and cyclists away from traffic on Stamp Avenue. The project will also provide a link to the popular Victoria Quay carpooling location and the transit routes up Roger Street.
• BikeBC is the Province’s cost-sharing program that helps communities build cycling projects that attract and support commuter and tourism cyclists. Since 2001, the Government of B.C. has invested more than $230 million in cycling grants and infrastructure throughout the province.
• Local WorkBC Employment Services Centres play a lead role in connecting eligible job seekers to Community and Employer Partnerships opportunities in their communities. Once the right match of client to project has been found, the effort of the WorkBC Centre continues by providing financial supports and services to ensure success.
• In 2016-17, 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 84 WorkBC Employment Services Centres throughout the province and the five components of the Community and Employer Partnerships fund:
  • Job Creation Partnerships
  • Labour Market Partnerships
  • Project-Based Labour Market Training
  • Research and Innovation
  • Social Innovation

Who is eligible for Community and Employer Partnerships funding?

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

Learn More:

For more information about cycling funding in B.C., visit: www.gov.bc.ca/cyclingfunding

To find out more about the BC Jobs Plan: www.engage.gov.bc.ca/bcjobsplan/

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

Find a local WorkBC Employment Services Centre: www.workbccentres.ca

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

For more information on B.C.'s Skills for Jobs Blueprint: www.workbc.ca/skills