College of the Rockies (the college) and Kootenay Outdoor Recreation Enterprise (KORE) have signed a new memorandum of understanding (MOU), renewing and expanding their longstanding collaboration to support training, workforce development, and innovation in B.C.’s outdoor recreation sector.

Outdoor recreation plays a vital role in the Kootenay region’s economy and communities, supporting local business, employment and community development. As the sector continues to grow and evolve, the renewed partnership between the college and KORE focuses on strengthening regional capacity through industry-aligned training, applied learning, and innovation that responds directly to the needs of outdoor recreation businesses.

“This agreement builds on a strong history of collaboration and reflects our shared commitment to supporting the outdoor recreation sector in our region,” said Michael Crowe, President, College of the Rockies. “By working closely with industry, we can help ensure learners and businesses have access to the skills, facilities, and expertise needed to support sustainable economic growth.”

Through the renewed MOU, the college and KORE will work together on initiatives that support workforce development, upskilling opportunities, applied learning, and business development. This includes activities like industry events, knowledge exchange, and initiatives that strengthen regional capacity in areas like gear repair, advanced manufacturing, and product innovation.

College of the Rockies brings established expertise in outdoor recreation and adventure-based training to the partnership. For more than three decades the college has delivered Mountain Adventure Skills Training and Adventure Tourism Business Operations programs, supporting learners and industry in a sector that is central to the Kootenay region’s economy and identity. These programs, alongside other applied learning and technical training initiatives, provide a strong foundation for expanded collaboration with industry.

KORE brings together a vibrant network of outdoor recreation businesses, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders from across the province and beyond. This network plays a critical role in shaping industry needs and ensuring training and innovation efforts remain closely aligned with real-world demands.

“KORE Outdoors has led the way in rural economic development in the outdoor industry,” said Matt Mosteller, Board Chair, Kootenay Outdoor Recreation Enterprise. “The renewed partnership with College of the Rockies keeps us moving toward our goal of making the Kootenays the epicentre of innovation, sustainability, and repair in the outdoor rec-tech industry, including training and workforce development.”

While rooted in the East Kootenay, the partnership also aligns with the broader outdoor recreation sector in B.C., which continues to play a vital role in the province’s economy, directly contributing $4.8 billion to B.C.’s economy in 2023.

Lead image: A new MOU between College of the Rockies and Kootenay Outdoor Recreation Enterprise will focus on industry-aligned training, applied learning, and innovation to help the outdoor recreation sector continue to grow and evolve in the Kootenay region, and beyond. College of the Rockies photo

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