Improvements to the Vanderhoof historic site will come again this spring by means of new positions meant to liven-up the tourist spot.
The District of Vanderhoof is looking to hire a community museum curator along with student heritage interpreters.
“Last year we did renovations to get the buildings up to code and improve the site grounds. This year were taking it up a level by having someone there who’s educated in the field,” Tom Clement said, director of community development.
At the Jan. 26 council meeting, Vanderhoof council authorized an application to Young Canada Works for a 26-week program from May-Sept that is approved will cover $9,200 towards a curator position. As part of the conditions, the DOV will have to pay another $9,200 as well as hire someone who has graduated in a related field - history, geography, anthropology. The candidate could be furthering their studies the following year to gain a masters degree or seeking for full-time employment.
A challenge with the curator position is they must have a supervisor, which is why the DOV is applying for the funds, not the Historic Society.
“The person will actually work for me,” Mr. Clement said. “We want them to work with us on setting up displays, working with the Historic Society on events and on supervising the student interpreters.”
Vanderhoof council also authorized an application to Canada Summer Jobs in hopes of aquiring $8,610 to help with the costs of hiring three heritage interpreters for a period of 16 weeks. The DOV will spend another $20,000 on their positions.
“We would look to hire them anyway even without the funding but if we don’t get it we may only hire two,” Mr. Clement said.
The interpreter positions will be filled by students heading back to school the following year who will work as ambassadors doing local tourism initiatives.
A partnership between the Nechako Valley Historic Society, DOV and the Nechako Community Arts Council may also bring a proposed art/artisan shop to the site. With it would bring art-council volunteers and an added experience for locals and visitors.
“It would provide a unique shopping experience for tourist coming through and showcase what our community has to offer,” Karen Giddens said, member of the arts council. “It would also inspire others in the community to be more creative and bring pride to the community. It will also bring more volunteers to the site which will enhance the experience for anyone.”