PRINCE RUPERT – Up to 16 job seekers will gain valuable work experience and contribute to the ongoing restoration of the North Pacific Cannery National Historic Site in the Port Edward/Prince Rupert area, through a Job Creation Partnership with the Province of British Columbia.
The Province has committed $233,986 to the Port Edward Historical Society’s North Pacific Cannery (NPC) project to provide up to 16 E.I.-eligible participants living in the Port Edward/Prince Rupert area with up to 38 weeks of work experience and skills training in carpentry, marine construction and heavy construction.
“It’s very rewarding to see this crew building skills, experience, and self-confidence through a group effort to restore and preserve North Pacific Cannery, an amazing historic site that represents the North Coast fishing industry,” says Steve Milum, conservation manager with NPC. “I see subtle changes on a weekly basis – to the buildings, and to the workers – that accumulate into large changes to the site and to the individuals over several months. The site represents a huge part of the region’s history and therefore supports the local community through preserving its identity and pride while acting as a major tourism draw to the area, so our efforts build and restore community as well.”
Another 48 participants gained similar work experience over the last three years thanks to previous Job Creation Partnership projects with the NPC which received $335,668.28 in funding.
The NPC is a local heritage site with regional, national and global significance situated in scenic Port Edward, where the Skeena River meets the tidal waters of the Pacific Ocean. Visitors to the heritage site can experience historic boardwalks and buildings and the coastal wilderness while learning about British Columbia’s salmon canning industry through guided tours, exhibits, displays and local cuisine.
The restoration work completed by the up to 16 participants will improve access to historical buildings including a working dock that dates back to the late 19th century. It will also provide a boost to the local economy as NPC is expected to increase the region’s profile and increase tourism. The project will also provide the community with a heritage site where local events can be hosted, including the 50th anniversary of the District of Port Edward, which will be held at the NPS site this June.
