No foolin’ – April 1 was a great day to unveil two new twin totem poles carved by Canim Lake First Nation artist Jerome at the entrance to the Ice Caves site at Bridge Lake. The work of the Jobs Creation Partnership Project Crew was also acknowledged. Over 30 people turned out for the unveiling in front of one of Jerome’s masterpieces. From left to right, Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo MP Cathy McLeod, Helga Zeiner, Ice Caves Heritage Trail Coordinator, NPTGS Secretary Brent Rutherford, Canim Lake First Nation (Tsq’escenemc) artist Jerome Boyce, Minister of State for Rural Economic Development Donna Barnett, NPTGS Executive Director Gord Rattray, Mayor Mitch Campsall, Cariboo Regional District Director Brian Coakley, Councillor Bill Hadden.
The event also acknowledged the work of the JCP Project crew, who built three foot bridges, railings and connecting stairs and 2.5 kms of low mobility trail at the Ice Caves site. The crew also installed bear proof waste containers, picnic tables and benches and two full service outhouses.
The Jobs Creation Partnership Project is a $400,000 initiative with the Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation’s Community and Employer Partnerships Branch and other organizations, including the Highway 24 Ice Caves Project.