Shuswap Economic Development Society Update
By Sue McCrae
Shuswap Economic Development Society (SEDS) was formed in late 2020 to service the Columbia Shuswap Regional Districts, areas C/G South Shuswap, D Falkland, Silver Creek, and F North Shuswap.
Our mission is to nurture a strong sustainable economic future for our communities.
The initial efforts of SEDS were devoted to the set up of the Society and developing an economic strategic development plan for the areas they are serving. This was completed in December of 2022. An additional initial accomplishment was the identification of an immediate need for adequate access to highspeed internet in the remote communities of the Shuswap. In February 2023, a grant application was made to B. C. Connects, to develop a Broadband Service.
The Shuswap Broadband Project was conceptualized in June 2022 by the Shuswap Economic Development Society, when Area Directors C, D, F and G ( C & G former area C) got together to address the problem of poor or no internet connectivity in most communities of the Shuswap, not addressable by the incumbents due to lack of a business case in areas of low population. After initial assessment through a professional agency, the SEDS Board took a decision to perform actual testing of internet speeds (CIRA IPT) to apply for Universal Broadband Funding (UBF) through the BC Govt (Connecting Communities BC, Ministry of Citizen Services) for a Community-Owned, Community Governed Open-Access fiber infrastructure to service ~2,000 households with high-speed Fiber to the Home (FTTH) in 16 communities (Seymour Arm, parts of Eagle Bay, Sorrento West, Notch Hill, Falkland and Malakwa, Skimikin, Yankee Flats, Hullcar, Glenema, Turtle Valley, China Valley, Paxton Valley, Six-Mile Creek, Silver Creek, and parts of the Adams Lake Indian Band). SEDS has satisfied the requirements of B. C. Connects and is waiting for approval of a grant for $30 million. Subsequent to the application, other communities have expressed interest in being a part of the project and are pursuing the opportunity to join in the efforts.
Key to successfully managing the 5-year Strategic Plan, is an investment and attraction strategy to determine the opportunities and challenges for each of the areas to experience economic stability and growth. Rynic Consulting is engaged to help our communities go through the discovery of who they are, where they are and where they can go. Visit SEDS website to complete the survey. Let us know if you are interested in this very important process. Your vision and ideas are very key to the economic future of your community. https://shuswapecdev.ca/. Complete the survey and watch for the next community engagement opportunity. Invest in the future of your community.
The fires in August of 2023 were devastating to so many and had an extremely negative impact on the economy of the Shuswap. SEDS formed a Shuswap Economic Recovery Task Force. We welcome our partners in the process to help meet the needs of businesses impacted by the “Bush Creek East Fire.” Thank you to South Shuswap Chamber of Commerce, North Shuswap Chamber of Commerce, Community Futures, Tourism Shuswap, and Salmon Arm Economic Development. and individuals who have provided support. They have contributed hours to assist businesses maneuver the reality of disaster and economic impact of a disaster.
The Chambers of Commerce in the North and South Shuswap, Shuswap Tourism and Community Futures, have been key in participating and administering programs to assist the businesses that have been impacted by the disaster.
North Shuswap Economic Recovery & Resiliency Grant: The North Shuswap Economic Recovery Grant application window closed on January 31, 2024. The committee met following the deadline to review and adjudicate the applications received. Fifteen applications were received, and each applicant was contacted by a committee member to assess eligibility. Twelve applications were accepted for funding eligibility; three were not approved. The twelve accepted applicants were requested to submit receipts or provide quotes for products or supplies needed to restart their business. It is expected that the entire fund of $50k will be used to support these twelve applicants.
Disaster Recovery & Economic Adjustment Initiative (DREAI): The number of businesses throughout the Shuswap who have applied for DREAI support has been steadily rising over the past month. A press release was issued by Community Futures BC on February 15 highlighting the benefits of the program and how a business can apply and be supported. Two Program Ambassadors from the Shuswap region have been hired to ensure that registered businesses receive the full benefit of the DREAI program. Please access the following link for DREAI program details: www.myCommunityFuturesBC.ca
The Rural Shuswap Housing Society - was activated in April of 2023 with the support of SEDS. Housing is a key requirement to support Economic stability and growth. The society is securing opportunities in the Rural Shuswap Areas for housing developments to support existing businesses, expanding businesses and new businesses. If you would like to become involved. email sue@shuswapecdev.ca.
The need to connect to the agriculture sector and their contribution to all regions economically is essential in economic development for the Rural Shuswap areas. A task force has been formed to help formulate a vision and concept of a complete AGRI Food Program. Let us know if you are interested in participating.
A newly formed community business association was formed for Area D the Salmon River Business Society. A great step forward in forming a common voice and collaborative approach for the communities such as Falkland, Silver Creek, and individuals in the service area.
SEDS workplan for 2024 is very full and exciting. If you are interested in participating as a board member email sue@shuswapecdev.ca or john.reed@shuswapecdev.ca
