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VICTORIA – Funding from the Community Development Trust’s Job Opportunities Program is employing four forest workers to improve facilities and trails at Beaver Lake in Fort Nelson, Community Development Minister Blair Lekstrom and Peace River North MLA Richard Neufeld announced today.
“The Community Development Trust is an important tool to help communities and forest families through this difficult time,” said Lekstrom. “Beaver Lake is a popular spot for families and sport fishermen. This project will make this area more enjoyable while helping employ forest workers.”
The $94,130 project includes widening the road and recreation area at Beaver Lake, the installation of new outhouses, fire rings, and signage, as well as improvements to the day-use area, including a new communal fire pit, stairs leading down to the lake and a small dock.
“The Job Opportunities Program is
contributing to a more enjoyable and safer recreation experience for Fort
Nelson residents,” said Neufeld. “By improving the facilities at
Work will also include upgrades to Teetering Rock Trail, such as the addition of tables, outhouses, a kiosk, and a fire ring to the trail head and picnic area, as well as the construction of boardwalks in wet areas of the trail.
“In addition to the improved trail and park amenities, the Community Development Trust is helping the District maintain a skilled work force for the future,” said Forests and Range Minister Pat Bell. “The workers and the projects are leaving a legacy for not only residents who use the trails and enjoy the lake but also for travellers on the Alaska Highway.”
“These
projects will add to the experiences and memories of individuals and families
who hike, swim and relax at Beaver Lake as well as creating income and
employment for forest workers,” said Fort Nelson Mayor Bill Streeper.
The $26.25-million Job Opportunities Program is helping to reduce the impact of current layoffs on workers employed in the forest industry, retaining skilled forest workers for the anticipated future upturn, and preserving the characteristics of the labour force in forest-dependent communities.
A forest-dependent community or organization and forest licensees or forest contractors working in cooperation with a forest-dependent community, are eligible to submit a project proposal to the Job Opportunities Program. So far, 110 submissions have been received, and 51 projects totaling over $8 million from across the province have been approved.
The Job Opportunities Program is one component of the Community Development Trust, which was announced in May. B.C.’s share of the federal trust is $129 million over three years, with funds also directed to a Tuition Assistance program and Transition Assistance for Older Workers Program.
For more information about the Community Development Trust and Job Opportunities Program, go to: www.cd.gov.bc.ca/cdt/
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Contact: |
Jennifer McLarty Public Affairs Officer Ministry of Forests and Range 250 387-4592 Bill Streeper Mayor of 250 774-2541 |
Leanne Ritchie Public Affairs Officer Ministry of Community Development 250 387-4089 |
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