The Columbia Basin Trust is expanding its Trail Crew Program, creating dozens of short-term jobs while supporting maintenance and upgrades to recreational trails across the region.
Through partnerships with local trail and recreation groups, the Trust’s Job Experience Trail Crew Program will fund 47 temporary positions for people who are unemployed or underemployed.
Among the approved projects, the Revelstoke Cycling Association will receive $25,000 to hire three workers.
The Trust said crew members will benefit from skills development and training, including carpentry, first aid, trail-building, chainsaw operations and GPS use, as they complete projects to maintain, repair and enhance local trails. The program will support 15 organizations in 13 communities with more than $320,000.
“These opportunities will support employment while helping keep trails accessible, inviting and safe,” Kris Belanger, Senior Manager, Delivery of Benefits, Columbia Basin Trust said. “Whether it’s someone learning a new technical skill or growing their work experience, the trail crew jobs help strengthen our local workforce and ensure the sustainability of recreation assets that welcome people outdoors year-round.”
Other communities include Golden, Castelgar, Fernie, Salmo that are approved for additional funding.
