Quad Riders Association of British Columbia

KAMLOOPS – Workers in several Thompson-Nicola area communities will benefit from more than $580,000 in funding to undertake building and safety projects and create employment through the Job Opportunities Program, Kamloops-North Thompson MLA Terry Lake announced on behalf of Bill Bennett, Minister of Community and Rural Development.

“The Province is taking action to create as many jobs as possible in the near future in order to help workers and their families through this time of economic upheaval,” said Lake. “This funding will create approximately 18 jobs in the Thompson Nicola area, while at the same time upgrading infrastructure and providing workers with new skills that will benefit them as the economy recovers.”

The projects include:

• $220,000 to HIS Venture Ltd., in conjunction with Lac Le Jeune Conservation Assoc., and Lonely Mountain Consulting. The trail enhancement project will improve ATV and recreation trails. Fuel breaks for fire protection will be included. The work is likely to get underway in Lac Le Jeune in the new year.
• $248,400 to Amarok Timber and Log Homes, to carry out improvements at approximately 60 sites in the Barriere area, including construction of picnic tables, outhouses, fire rings and signs.
• $121,000 to 3D Forestry and GPS Services, to carry out brushing and weeding over 24 kilometres of land, including replacement of deteriorated benches and installation of a viewing platform and monument.

“We’ve been able to get out ahead of the weather on improvements at a number of recreation sites,” said Kevin Krueger, Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts. “Repairs to signage, picnic tables and benches, as well as clearing and other safety measures, will leave us better prepared for visitors – both locals and tourists – for the start of next year’s outdoor recreation season.”

“The various projects already underway or soon to get going at Heffley Lake, Lac Le Jeune, Barriere, Logan Lake and Merritt are making a positive difference in the region,” said Peter Milobar, chair of the Thompson-Nicola Regional District board of directors. “Area residents have indicated strong support and are pleased with the good work the crews are carrying out.”

The Job Opportunities Program was first announced in May 2008 as one component of the federally-funded $129-million Community Development Trust. In July 2009, the provincial government committed an additional $30 million toward the program, which the federal government is matching on a project-by-project basis through the Community Adjustment Fund.

The Province of British Columbia’s contribution to the Job Opportunities Program is part of its commitment to provide stability for workers and communities, maintain the workforce during the economic downturn and help British Columbians gain new skills to be successful in the future.

For more information about the Job Opportunities Program, go to www.cd.gov.bc.ca/cdt/.

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