September 08, 2009
Kamloops, British Columbia
An investment of more than $14 million through the Community Adjustment Fund and the Job Opportunities Program will help organizations and groups throughout the province create immediate employment and help workers in all industry sectors and communities impacted by the economic downturn, announced MP Cathy McLeod, Member of Parliament for Kamloops – Thompson – Cariboo on behalf of Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, and Kevin Krueger, Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts on behalf of Bill Bennett, British Columbia’s Minister for Community and Rural Development.
“I’m pleased to announce our Government’s support for these 45 projects,” said MP McLeod. “Investments such as these are creating and protecting jobs, supporting Canadians who are facing challenging times, helping threatened industries and laying the foundations for our future prosperity.”
“This funding supports the creation of more than 470 jobs for laid off resource workers, and helps keep communities strong during this time of economic uncertainty,” said Krueger. “Thesa
The 26.25 million Job Opportunities Program was first announced in May 2008 as one component of the Community Development Trust through funding by the Government of Canada. In July 2009, the Government of Canada and Province of British Columbia each committed up to an additional $30 million towards the program.
The Government of Canada’s contribution to the Job Opportunities Program supports projects that meet all the federal requirements for funding under the Community Adjustment Fund. The contribution under Canada’s Economic Action Plan will help stimulate the economy and keep Canadians working during the economic downturn.
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.
A part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the Community Adjustment Fund (CAF) is a two-year, $1-billion national program that will provide an economic stimulus by supporting projects that create jobs and maintain employment in rural communities.
The fund will provide $306 million over two years to support the most affected western Canadian communities, such as those that are heavily reliant on resource-based industries, for instance forestry, mining, agriculture and fisheries, and communities that depend on the manufacturing industry. Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) is delivering the fund in the four western provinces.
Media contact:
Leanne Ritchie
Public Affairs Bureau
Ministry of Community and Rural Development
250 387-4089
Donna Howes
Communications Manager, British Columbia
Western Economic Diversification Canada
604 666-1318
(Cell) 604-505-6616
WD Toll-Free Number:1 888 338-WEST (9378)
Teletypewriter (TTY): 1 877 303-3388
Website: WD is online at www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
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Backgrounder
Community Adjustment Fund – Job Opportunities Program Projects
Vancouver Island – Coast:
- Khowutzun Forest Service Ltd.: Funding is assisting Khowutzun Forest Service Ltd to improve recreation sites and trails on South Vancouver Island. Work activities include: recreation site maintenance and development; tree removal and signage installation; routine maintenance on 70 kms of trails; fuel management of 10 hectares of fuel management; improvement of 130 individual camp sites; and development of 72 new individual camp sites within four recreation sites
Federal Funding: $303,090
Provincial Funding: $303,090
Total Funding: $606,180
- Oceanside Scaling and Residue: Funding will assist Oceanside Scaling and Residue with to improve the historic Beaver Lodge Forests Lands in Campbell River. This work is the continuation of a project to improve the site. Work will include trail maintenance, brushing, removal of hazard trees, repairing safety and high-risk areas, trail water management and surfacing, and other trail construction.
Federal Funding: $207,535
Provincial Funding: $207,534
Total Funding: $415,069
- Mt. Washington Ski Resort Ltd.: Mt Washington Ski Resort Ltd is undertaking ecosystem restoration work. The project will improve area vegetation of approx. 100 hectares of land. Work activities include manual brushing, removal of slash, debris and other invasive vegetation from the site as well as removal of deadfall, stump, flush cutting and trail clearing. The work will help increase tourism and strengthen the local economy.
Federal Funding: $225,810
Provincial Funding: $121,590
Total Funding: $347,400
- Tsolum Forest Services Ltd.: Funding will allow Tsolum Forest Services to maintain and enhance a number of recreation sites and trails in the Campbell River Forest District. Work activities will include: trail maintenance; invasive plant removal; tree planting; hazard tree; sign installation; brushing; and replacement of culverts where possible.
Federal Funding: $93,308
Provincial Funding: $50,242
Total Funding: $143,550
Mainland – Southwest:
- Boston Bar Enhancement Society: The Boston Bar – North Bend Enhancement Society is improving safety at two recreation sites in the Boston Bar area. Work activities include the clean up and brushing of 300 kms of forestry access roads, removal of blow down and waste on two recreation sites, hazard tree removal and culvert clean up. These activities will improve the usability and safety of the recreation areas and draw higher use from both local area residents and tourists from other areas.
Federal Funding: $190,905
Provincial Funding: $102,796
Total Funding: $293,701
- Xaxli’p First Nation: This project will replenish trees and shrubs on two Reserves damaged by wildfire 30 years ago. The work will take place at community gathering places on Xaxli'p Reserves in Fountain and Chillhill. The Fountain Reserve sites include the community graveyard, walking trail, outside rink, preschool playground, community building, church, baseball field and school yard. On the Chillhill reserve, work will be undertaken outside the arena and playground. The project will plant trees, increase community knowledge of tree and shrub types and increase awareness of care of trees and shrubs for a healthier community urban forest.
Federal Funding: $88,931
Provincial Funding: $22,232
Total Funding: $111,163
Thompson – Okanagan:
- British Columbia Cattlemen’s Association: The Association will implement improvements to range fencing, including fence line protection, and replacing aging fence infrastructure and highway fencing. This project is expected to create 600 person months of employment.
(This project was originally announced on July 13th, 2009; funding totals have not been included in this news release
Federal Funding: $4,400,000
Provincial Funding: $1,100,000
Total Funding: $5,500,000
- Forsite Consultants Ltd.: Funding will help Foresite Consultants Ltd. restore ecosystem function within the Salmon Arm area. Work activities will include debris collection in preparation for burning, restoration activities related to thinning of the current forest stand, pruning and thinning on slopes between tree branch tips, and retention of wildlife trees.
Federal Funding: $118,528
Provincial Funding: $63,823
Total Funding: $182,351
- Revelstoke Community Forest Corporation: This project is completing spacing on 116.6 hectares for enhancing silviculture. Work activities will take place over five months on five forestry blocks to optimise species composition and enhance product quality for the future. This will improve vegetation and plantation, which will provide future employment.
Federal Funding: $173,281
Provincial Funding: $43,320
Total Funding: $216,601
- City of Revelstoke: The City of Revelstoke will begin a trail maintenance and improvement project. Work activities will improve and repair a number of trails in the Columbia and Shuswap areas and will include danger tree assessment and removal, brushing, drainage and erosion control and picnic table and outhouse replacement.
Federal Funding: $189,120
Provincial Funding: $47,280
Total Funding: $236,400
- Triple R Contracting: Triple R Contacting is undertaking recreation site and trail maintenance activities in the Clearwater area. Funding will allow four workers to complete brushing and felling of dangerous trees on recreation sites and trails in Wells Gray Park. Fuel management work will also be conducted to reduce wildfire risk.
Federal Funding: $152,413
Provincial Funding: $82,068
Total Funding: $234,481
- 3D Forestry Ltd.: 3D Forestry Ltd. is undertaking fuel management work on approximately 60 hectares of land in the Heffley Creek area that is deemed at risk for wildfire. Work activities include thinning, spacing, pruning, snag felling and possible pile burning.
Federal Funding: $129,986
Provincial Funding: $69,993
Total Funding: $199,979
- KDC Forestry Consulting Ltd.: – Three Projects:
KDC Forestry Consulting Ltd. is undertaking a trail management project in the Clearwater area. Work activities include maintenance to existing snowmobile trails to allow for safer, all-season recreational use. A damaged bridge will be replaced and dangerous trees assessed, and removed if needed.
Federal Funding: $43,667
Provincial Funding: $23,513
Total Funding: $67,180
KDC Forestry Consulting Ltd. is completing trail management in order to improve safety on the Clearwater ski hill area. Project activities include brushing trails and felling danger trees.
Federal Funding: $22,116
Provincial Funding: $11,908
Total Funding: $34,024
KDC Forestry Consulting Ltd. will complete danger tree removal and recreation site maintenance. Recreation sites in the Headwaters Forest District will be repaired, while tables and signage will also be repaired or replaced.
Federal Funding: $17,563
Provincial Funding: $9,457
Total Funding: $27,020
Kootenay:
- Regional District of Central Kootenay: Funding will support the Regional District of Central Kootenay in completing restoration of the Spirit 2010 Trail Network, Work will take place on the Great Northern Rail Trail, Slocan Valley Rail Trail, Columbia and Western Rail Trail and Kettle Valley Rail Trail. Workers will install new washrooms and picnic tables, brush and clear trails, add decking and railing to small trestles and install interpretive and directional signage. Workers will also repair damage caused by flooding, stabilize stream crossings and improve safety point railings at various points along the trails.
Federal Funding: $400,000
Provincial Funding: $250,000
Total Funding: $650,00
- Progressive Forest Management – Two Projects:
Funding will allow Progressive Forest Management to complete fuel management activities including removal of all stems smaller than 15 cm, pruning and removal of remaining fuels through burning or chipping. Fuel Treatments on approximately 70 hectares of Crown land will be completed - all fuel management treatment areas have been identified as high priority/high risk areas within the Kaslo ‘Community Wildfire Protection Plan,’ conducted by Blackwell for the Regional District of Central Kootenay.
Federal Funding: $253,500
Provincial Funding: $136,500
Total Funding: $390,000
Progressive Forest Management will complete an inventory and treatment of invasive plants along highways and forestlands in the Central Kootenay area. Project activities will include hand pulling, cutting and digging of the invasive plant species.
Federal Funding: $141,700
Provincial Funding: $76,300
Total Funding: $218,000
- Tembec Inc.: Funding is supporting Tembec in implementing existing ecosystem restoration prescriptions for a number of pastures in the area. Work will consist of slashing and hand piling of undersized material. The pastures of Eegar Hills, Rouse and Hotfoot have approved prescriptions in place and are ready to go immediately - a combination of hand and machine work needs to be completed.
Federal Funding: $272,106
Provincial Funding: $146,519
Total Funding: $418,625
- Purcell Resources Inc.: Purcell Resources Inc. is working to restore the natural ecosystem of Cranbrook. The project will focus on manually cutting down small diameter trees with power saws and brush saws in areas identified and priority ranked by the Rocky Mountain Trench Ecosystem Restoration Committee. Natural ecosystem habitat will be restored as a result and wildfire risk will be reduced through fuel reduction activities.
Federal Funding: $258,831
Provincial Funding: $86,277
Total Funding: $345,108
- S&D Hunt Lodging: S&D Hunt Lodging is completing an ecosystem restoration project in the Cranbrook region. Workers will conduct tree removal, invasive plant management and maintenance of natural barriers on more than 410 hectares of land. The project will employ 23 workers for up to six months.
Federal Funding: $184,753
Provincial Funding: $99,483
Total Funding: $284,236
- Slocan Valley Heritage Trail Society: This project will maintain the Slocan Valley Rail Trail; 50 kms of non-motorized multi-use trail connecting the Village of Slocan and the community of South Slocan. The work includes management of trees and vegetation encroaching on the trail surface, maintenance, replacement and mapping of 100 culverts, and the installation of pit toilets. This trail has been identified as the most frequently used recreational facility in the Slocan Valley. Improvements will further strengthen its reputation as an attraction for visitors and an economic driver for the area.
Federal Funding: $134,400
Provincial Funding: $89,600
Total Funding: $224,000
- Haynes Contracting – Two Projects:
Haynes Contracting is upgrading and maintaining a number of hiking and walking trails in the Midway area. Funding will improve the trail network and provide local area residents with additional outdoor recreational opportunities.
Federal Funding: $129,719
Provincial Funding: $69,848
Total Funding: $199,567
Haynes Contracting will begin ecosystem and range restoration work in the Bridesville/Rock Creek region. The project will clear fence line right of ways and remove fallen trees. Other maintenance work includes replacement of broken or mission fence posts and clean up of livestock travel corridors such as trails and remote roads.
Federal Funding: $66,902
Provincial Funding: $36,024
Total Funding: $102,926
- Slocan Integral Forestry Cooperative: Slocan Integral Forestry Cooperative is conducting invasive plant management. The Cooperative will collaborate with the Central Kootenay Invasive Plant Committee to eradicate invasive plants along approximately 100 to 140kms of roadways and interface areas. The project will also involve a hydro-seeding application to ensure that invasive plants will not again overtake the disturbed ground.
Federal Funding: $108,296
Provincial Funding: $27,324
Total Funding: $135,620
- Mehmal Ranch: Mehmal Ranch is completing an ecosystem and range restoration project in Grand forks. Project activities include pruning, thinning and slashing; felling, bucking and limbing; the installation of water troughs, pipes and sealant along range fencing. Benefits include rangeland improvements and restoration of wild life habitat through stream restoration work.
Federal Funding: $85,782
Provincial Funding: $46,191
Total Funding: $131,973
- Juggernaut Development Inc: Juggernaut Development Inc is conducting hazardous tree removal in the Castlegar area. The project will remove hazardous trees, including those killed by the mountain pine beetle, which pose a wildfire risk and threat to local infrastructure.
Federal Funding: $56,843
Provincial Funding: $30,607
Total Funding: $87,450
- City of Nelson: The City of Nelson’s is beginning a danger tree removal project which will includes removing dead and downed trees, the slashing of dead and down trees, the pruning of cedar and live white pine and the maintenance and improvement of existing park trails. Waste will be composted; the project will not include burning. Work will be completed on four sites on approximately 15 hectares of land and will create four new jobs.
Federal Funding: $48,000
Provincial Funding: $12,000
Total Funding: $60,000
- Cayuse Logging: This funding is allowing Cayuse Logging to complete spacing and pruning on an immature pine, larch fir stand in the Lind Creek area to improve timber quality and product value. The stand will be spaced to approximately 800 stems per hectare. Following spacing, the remaining trees will be pruned to a minimum height of 3 metres. This treatment will increase the yield of clear, high-value wood when the stand is harvested.
Federal Funding: $32,485
Provincial Funding: $17,492
Total Funding: $49,977
Cariboo:
- Powder King Mountain Resort: Powder King Mountain Resort will maintain a recreation site and trails in Mackenzie. Work activities include brushing and clearing of trails; thinning and pruning of treed areas; and mulching of trail debris. This project will employ 34 workers to complete activities that will improve the safety of a number of trails.
Federal Funding: $550,943
Provincial Funding: $296,662
Total Funding: $847,605
- J. Hinsche Contracting Ltd: Funding is assisting J. Hinsche Contracting to complete brushing and wood chipping work along designated highway locations in the 100 Mile House area in order to improve the visibility of wildlife and to improve the safety for commuters along Highway 97 from wildlife collisions.
Federal Funding: $507,215
Provincial Funding: $273,116
Total Funding: $780,331
- LCR Holdings Ltd.: LCR Holdings Ltd. is undertaking work activities to complete stream restoration, which includes brushing/girdling and juvenile spacing/pre-commercial thinning. Stand release and pruning will also be conducted on high site plantations. All required prescriptions and consultation are in place and resource workers from an area that has faced significant challenges by the economic downturn will benefit by increasing their skill sets and having the opportunity to remain in their community and contribute to the local economy.
Federal Funding: $427,956
Provincial Funding: $230,438
Total Funding: $658,394
- Barkerville Heritage Trust: The Barkerville Heritage Trust will protect the town site from forest fires and restore several old buildings. Work activities will include tending 8 hectares as identified in the Wildfire Protection Plan for the community adjacent to the historic town site, spacing, thinning and other fuel reduction for the area to improve safety of the heritage site and the surrounding community. In addition, the property will be upgraded and restored through work activities in this project. These will include restoration work and upgrades to a number of buildings, equipment, trails and site maintenance. Handicap accessibility of existing heritage boardwalks and ramps will be improved. As a result of the project the local economy will benefit from increased tourism and local area business to the site.
Federal Funding: $434,497
Provincial Funding: $186,213
Total Funding: $620,710
- Integrated ProAction Corp.: This project is improving safety and usability of a number of recreation sites within the 100 Mile House area. Work activities include:elimination of hazard trees, clean up of debris, bucking, limbing and topping trees and burning where required. Additional tourism will be generated and the local economy will benefit as a result.
Federal Funding: $308,325
Provincial Funding: $308,325
Total Funding: $616,650
- Tl’etinqox-tin Government Office: Work activities done through this project includes fence removal, construction and restoration, as well as ecosystem restoration. The project will remove ineffective rangeland fences; these are hazardous to wildlife movement and new range fences will be installed where required. This project will employ 45 workers.
Federal Funding: $343,090
Provincial Funding: $85,773
Total Funding: $428,863
- Nadsilnich Community Association: The Nadsilnich Community Association will perform trail maintenance work on recreational snowmobile trails in the Prince George area. Project work will clear fallen trees and brush from trails, build log bridges as safety mechanisms, remove debris and brush blind corners.
Federal Funding: $262,923
Provincial Funding: $65,731
Total Funding: $328,654
- DWB Consulting Services Ltd: DWB Consulting Services Ltd. is undertaking routine site and trail maintenance. Work activities completed through this project include cleaning campsites, toilets, painting of structures, replacement of structures, bucking, removal and disposal of fallen trees. The local area will benefit from increased use of the recreational facilities and the economy of the area will improve as a result of increased tourism and local use.
Federal Funding: $88,238
Provincial Funding: $47,512
Total Funding: $135,750
- Crazy Horse Contracting Ltd – Two Projects:
Funding will allow Crazy Horse Contracting to complete manual backlog brushing, including: brushing and weeding; danger tree assessment and falling in the McBride area.
Federal Funding: $53,072
Provincial Funding: $28,578
Total Funding: $81,650
Funding will support Crazy Horse Contracting in completing manual backlog brushing, which includes brushing, weeding, danger tree assessment and falling.
Federal Funding: $41,490
Provincial Funding: $22,538
Total Funding: $64,523
- District of Wells: This project is providing trail maintenance on an existing trails network. Specific activities include: trail brushing, danger tree removal; repairing drainage problems; repairing and installing signage; as well as boardwalk and outhouse repairs. Up to 50 kms of trail will be brushed and cleared.
Federal Funding: $43,542
Provincial Funding: $10,886
Total Funding: $54,428
North Coast:
- Skeena Nass Centre for Innovation in Resource Economics Society: Skeena-Nass Centre for Innovation in Resource Economics Society is completing a stand-tending project. Significant opportunity and need exists within the Kalum Forest District for tree stand tending projects aimed at enhancing stand resilience and tree marketability. Equal areas of old growth and second-growth dominate the Kalum District timber harvesting land base. Stand tending can significantly increase the availability of second-growth timber, accelerate future commercial ability and create considerable employment for laid-off forest workers.
Federal Funding: $1,650,000
Provincial Funding: $550,000
Total Funding: $2,200,000
Northeast:
- District of Chetwynd: This project is creating job opportunities for an area that has been affected by significant economic and social impacts resulting from challenges facing the forest sector. Work activities will help to maintain and enhance a number of areas in the community as well as to improve trail safety for area residents and tourists visiting the community. Workers will remain in the area to support their community while broadening their skill sets.
Federal Funding: $331,280
Provincial Funding: $178,382
Total Funding: $509,662
- Northern Rockies Regional District: The maintenance of the cross-country ski trails includes the elimination of hazard trees through on-site tree chipping. Tree chips will be recycled for use on the trails. Brushing will be completed as needed and pit toilets installed along the trail. Improvements and upgrades to the trails and recreation sites will provide safer trails and facilities and help increase tourism.
Federal Funding: $99,350
Provincial Funding: $99,350
Total Funding: $198,700
- Tembec Inc – Two Projects:
Funding will support Tembec in restoring trails in the Chetwynd area. Work activities included in this project will include site clean-up, sanitation, and preparation; danger tree falling; painting; sign installation; brushing, burning of debris; installation of tables, fire-rings and pit toilets.
Federal Funding: $84,007
Provincial Funding: $45,234
Total Funding: $129,241
Funding will allow Tembec to perform routine trail maintenance and trail improvement work on the Battleship Mountain Trail, including trail marker installation, and construction and installation of a picnic table, pit toilet, kiosk and three blade sign at the trailhead.
Federal Funding: $24,010
Provincial Funding: $12,928
Total Funding: $36,938
Contact:
Leanne Ritchie
Public Affairs Bureau
Ministry of Community and Rural Development
250 387-4089
Donna Howes
Communications Manager, British Columbia
Western Economic Diversification Canada
604 666-1318
(Cell) 604-505-6616
