Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation
SIMPCW – Riders could soon be pedalling down new mountain bike trails in the North Thompson Valley, once a study on mountain bike and tourism opportunities in the McBride to Barriere corridor is complete.
The Simpcw First Nation received $45,000 from the B.C. government to identify how Aboriginal communities can participate in the region's growing mountain bike and tourism industry. In partnership with the Mountain Bike Tourism Association, the Simpcw First Nation will host trail-building workshops and work with nearby communities to develop a strategy to address skills gaps, training needs and opportunities to promote the region as a mountain biking destination.
"This initiative will provide an opportunity for our community to learn more about mountain bike recreation and tourism. It will provide our members, especially our youth, the opportunity to learn about riding and trail building and build capacity for future community and economic development,” said Simpcw First Nation councillor Tom Eustache. “As a rider, mountain biking has made a huge difference in my life for health and fitness. I would like to see our members getting outdoors and reconnecting with our lands and living healthy active lives. Mountain bike recreation and tourism also has the potential to teach people about the Simpcw Nation; about who we are as a people, our culture and heritage and about our lands and territories."
As part of the project, the Simpcw First Nation has declared June 10, 2015, as Mountain Bike Day in the community just north of Barriere. The day will feature workshops for local youth to learn more about mountain biking and trail safety from professional riders, as well as a community dinner followed by a screening of local mountain bike films and discussion of the new research study.
"Labour Market Partnerships help communities identify the resources and skilled workers they need to secure employment and economic opportunities,” said Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation Michelle Stilwell. “This study will help the Simpcw First Nation become a key partner – and builder – of the region's mountain bike economy."
The project will wrap up in December 2015 with an action plan to develop a socially, economically and environmentally sustainable mountain bike recreation and tourism sector.
Labour Market Partnerships are a component of the Employment Program of BC's Community and Employer Partnerships fund for projects that share labour market information and increase employability throughout the province. Labour Market Partnerships fund projects that support employers, employee and employer associations and communities to develop strategies to deal with worker shortages or changes in the job market. Projects that provide opportunities for people who are often disadvantaged in the workforce, such as Aboriginal people, people with disabilities and youth, are encouraged.