The Trail Skills Centre is winding down its operation.
In a news release today, the organization said it has not been able to overcome funding challenges that already resulted in the layoff of most of its staff, including longtime executive director Morag Carter.
“Despite several months of efforts to stabilize operations, including exploring new revenue sources and partnerships, the organization has determined that it is not financially sustainable under current conditions,” said interim executive director Emily Gora.
“We are in the process of evaluating the sale of our building at 1060 Eldorado Street and planning for an orderly wind-down of operations as early as this fall.”
The Skills Centre has provided workforce development and poverty reduction services in Trail since 1997. It has relied on government funding to provide its programs, but says recent reductions or elimination of funding has created “significant financial challenges,” resulting in reduced programming.
Before deciding to close, board chair Rhys Andrews said the organization spent several months trying to meet the challenges it faced.
“These actions included implementing cost-saving measures, completing a feasibility study to evaluate organizational options, engaging with community partners, government representatives, and sector organizations, exploring alternative funding sources and partnership opportunities, working to increase revenue through facility use, and continuously monitoring sector trends and government priorities,” he said.
Andrews said they remain committed to an “orderly transition” by completing current programs where possible, or transferring them to other service providers to minimize disruption to clients and the community.
“This has been a very challenging time for the society and we are grateful for the support of funders, partners, staff, and the community for nearly 30 years of shared impact and collaboration,” Andrews said.
The Skills Centre purchased the old armory building in downtown Trail and moved there in 2024 following a 14-month renovation project. They also rented space to the Trail Family Action Network and Kootenay Brain Injury Association.
