Shuswap EcDev Commits to Post Fire Recovery
By Barbra Fairclough
Shuswap Economic Development Society (SEDS) is leading an economic recovery task force in response to the Shuswap fires. The coverage area is from Chase to Sicamous. Executive Director John Reed says, “We have a big focus on the most heavily impacted communities.”
He confirms the task force consists of 21 representatives from Shuswap communities as well as elected representatives from all levels of government including local First Nations.
The purpose for the task force is to support the recovery of communities and businesses in the wildfire impacted areas throughout the North and South Shuswap. The task force has met several times and sub committees have been stuck to assist in gathering recommendations. There is robust local representation on the committees.
Wildfire helicopter buckets fire in Sorrento September 2023 – picture credit Jason Lutterman
SEDS also announced on Aug. 26, it is donating $7,500 to the Shuswap Community Foundation (SCF) Emergency Response Fund, a dedicated fundraising campaign to support the communities affected by the Bush Creek East wildfire; and funds donated by SEDS will go directly to impacted communities in the North & South Shuswap.
Other SEDS projects include: The North Shuswap Chamber of Commerce in partnership with SEDS and the Economic Trust of the Southern Interior has launched a Business Façade Improvement Pilot Program in Scotch Creek. The first applications are currently under review and grants awards will be announced soon.
Participating merchants can improve their business facades with up to 50% matched funding for up to $5000 for qualifying projects. Timing for this project will further support recovery efforts. Projects will be reviewed on a first come first served basis and intake will remain open until funds are allocated.
A lease and potential improvements of a possible 1800 square foot business hub in Blind Bay is currently being negotiated. “We are hoping to have confirmation very soon.” John says the space will have 4-6 office spaces to rent and he is currently speaking with prospective tenants.
Shuswap EcDev has applied for funding through Connected Communities BC. Connected Communities is making $830 million dollars of federal funding available to support the expansion of high-speed internet services to the remaining rural and Indigenous communities that are underserved in BC. I Technologies, a not for profit organization specializing in rural networks, has designed the network for this project.
The goal is to install fiber optic into homes in underserved areas in the communities served by Shuswap EcDev. Skwilax, Adams Lake and Niskonlith band as well as at Regional District of North Okanagan and Thompson Nicola Regional District are all part of the discussions and planning. Connected Communities BC has been receptive to the application and is favorable to receiving more detail. John confirms that currently they are taking steps to do modeling for a new broadband cooperative.
Shuswap EcDev has convened an Agriculture industry task force and they are waiting on the completion of a needs assessment that will provide a picture of the needs for small meat producers in the area. They are revisiting deliverables and timeline based on the fires pivoting to meet current needs.
Shuswap EcDev has hired a consultant to complete a needs recovery investment strategy. They are tasked with taking a deep dive into the uniqueness of the area and to present forward looking opportunities for the existing area businesses. This work is in progress and there will be more information to come when the work is completed.
Nicki Nicholson has been hired as the Administrator and Communications Assistant for Shuswap EcDev. She will be actively working on Shuswap Connects, a business directory meant for folks who live, travel, work and play in the Shuswap. As well she will be introducing herself to local businesses.
