Shuswap Economic Development Plan Complete
By Barbra Fairclough
The Shuswap Economic Development Society has completed its strategic plan. The Strategy was created through a collaborative and community driven process. Online survey and ideation tool (Idea Share), community event pop ups and markets such as farmers markets, Music on the Bay and others.
A business roundtable, meetings with local leaders, and a five person EcDev Task force were engaged. The task force met several times throughout the process and provided input on project process and strategy development and to review materials. The EcDev board of directors met to offer high level guidance input and review.
The Strategic Planning engagement took place between April and December 2022. Four questions guided the process. Where are we now? Where do we want to go? How do we get there and have we arrived?
During the development of the plan, Area C was divided into two new areas and data in the report reflects the original Area C. The Shuswap EcDev Society is contracted by the CSRD to provide economic development services for Electoral Areas D (Falkland, Deep Creek, Ranchero, Salmon Valley, Silver Creek, and Gardom Lake) , Area C (Sunnybrae, Tappen, White Lake, and Eagle Bay), Area F (Lee Creek, Scotch Creek, Celista, Magna Bay, Anglemont, St. Ives, and Seymour Arm), Area G (Carlin, Balmoral, Blind Bay, Notch Hill and Sorrento).
The vison of the society is to “Promote a year-round local economy that supports our vibrant communities and a healthy environment.”
Eight key objectives have been outlined as priorities as expressed by community members. “Maintaining our rural character and sense of place” was rated as the most important priority.
Action items for the plan fall into six key strategy areas including: improving community services and infrastructure and market a business and labour friendly environment, grow healthy food systems, inclusive transportation and housing, recreational programming, and spaces for all and promoting year-round tourism.
John Reed, Executive Director, confirms that indigenous partnerships are first and foremost and initial work has been done in this regard.
Also in process is the application for a Municipal and Regional District Tax Program application. This is a 2% tax applied to the sales of short-term accommodations, to strategically market the area over the long-term and consists of a one-year tactical plan as part of a 5 year strategic plan. This must be approved by a majority of the accommodation sector. John confirms this will be generating more funds for Strategic marketing, and helping the area prosper for the long-term. A limited portion of these funds can also go toward affordable housing opportunities.
2023 EcDev work plan outlines action to relocate the EcDev office and incorporate a work hub pilot in one of Areas C, D, E, F, or G. This will establish a stronger community presence. Move in readiness and scalability of space as well as parking are key criteria.
The opportunity to network and collaborate with others will be central to this. The space would accommodate 2 to 3 offices and up to three hot desks and a meeting room. This project also includes the establishment of 2-3 regional Wi-Fi hotspots through existing TELUS hotspot network and through direct funding by Shuswap Economic Development to support residents, travelers, and digital working nomads.
Building a community broadband network has taken time and is in process. Continuing with the business round table series and working regionally to see where opportunities are for joint projects are all part of steps moving forward.
For a more detailed look at plans and more information visit www.shuswapecdev.ca
