Nakusp jobs partnership turning Fire Hall into Farmer's Market

Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation

December 2014

Nakusp jobs partnership turning fire hall into farmers’ market

NAKUSP – The old Nakusp fire hall will go from code red to green thumbs as it’s reborn as a year-round farmers’ market, thanks to a $130,000 in partnership funding from the Government of B.C.

Four people are getting work experience through a Job Creation Partnership renovating the fire hall that was built in 1949. The quartet of unemployed workers will help transform the classic building with the false front into a year-round market and agricultural hub that will also be headquarters for a local weavers’ club, theatre rehearsal space and a teaching space for courses on food production. It will also provide post-harvest storage for fruit and vegetables and a tool library from which local farmers and gardeners can sign out equipment like tractors, tillers and tools on loan from other farmers and gardeners.
Workers will get job experience in carpentry, construction and renovations, while learning about safe working practices over 28 weeks, ending May 29, 2015.
Job Creation Partnerships are part of the Employment Program of BC’s Community and Employer Partnerships, which fund projects that increase employability and share labour market information. To date, more than 480 job seekers have benefited from work experience and more than 120 projects have been funded throughout the province.
The Community and Employer Partnerships program is featured in B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint that helps align training and education with in-demand jobs and provides more support to people who are struggling to gain a foothold in the job market or who face unique challenges.