The pioneering spirit associated with the early history of Boston Bar and North Bend is evident again. The area was once one of the richest gold mining areas in Canada, later supported by forestry. But after a major mill closed in the 1980s, many people moved away and the economy began to decline. With the support of the Economic Trust of the Southern Interior (ETSI-BC), the community conducted an analysis of its needs, strengths, and opportunities, renewing the promise of a strong and sustainable future.

The momentum continues as Sun Peaks Resort rolls out a marketing and awareness campaign to create a more resilient and sustainable economy in the post-pandemic era. Supported by the Economic Trust of Southern Interior (ETSI-BC), the project is attracting more diverse customers with new options for meeting and event space at the world-class Sun Peaks Centre.

Special events have been part of the tourism offering in the Columbia Valley, and they provide significant economic benefits to the region’s economy. During COVID-19, however, several signature events were shut down. Costs were increasing, travel was declining and the area was facing competition from events from other communities. With the support of ETSI-BC, the communities of the Columbia Valley came together to develop an events development strategy that has put the region on course to become a primary event destination.

Supporting local agriculture and increasing food security are economic priorities in the Arrow Lakes region of the West Kootenays. The Grow Arrow Lakes Project, driven by the Nakusp and Area Development Board (NADB), has provided important insight to developing the sector through engagement with its diverse players. The project was supported with funding from the Economic Trust of Southern Interior (ETSI-BC).

Opportunities for a cleaner, greener and sustainable future for the Kootenays are being realized through a dynamic partnership between the Kootenay Association for Science and Technology (KAST) and the BC Net Zero Innovation Network at Foresight Canada. The project is the first consultation of its kind between industry and cleantech innovators in the region, and the project has been supported by funding from ETSI-BC.

The community of Grand Forks, in Boundary Country, is seeking to grow its local economy by attracting new investment in key sectors. The Grand Forks Sector Development Project has completed action plans for the Agriculture, Hospitality, and Health and Wellness sectors along with dynamic investment marketing tools. The project is expected to generate new investment into the local economy across each key sector, and it was carried out with financial support from ETSI-BC, the Economic Trust of the Southern Interior.

The Kootenay Outdoor Recreation Enterprise (KORE) Summit took place from October 11-13, 2023, at Kimberley Mountain Resort, bringing together more than 120 individuals, including outdoor gear manufacturers, business consultants, academic professionals, and government representatives. Throughout the three-day event, attendees were exposed to a diverse range of topics presented by various speakers, covering areas such as product development, circular economy practices, expanding manufacturing capabilities, academia’s role in the sector, and ample networking opportunities. ETSI-BC was pleased to be a sponsor of this dynamic rec-tech industry event, which is paving the way for increased collaboration and support for rec-tech entrepreneurs.

A growing number of visitors are discovering the diverse communities, small town charm and spectacular outdoor recreation of the South Kootenays, also known as the Lower Columbia. To harness the economic potential of tourism in the area, the Trail & District Chamber of Commerce is leading the creation of a long-term Tourism Management Plan. The research phase of the project, supported with funding from ETSI-BC, will provide the foundation for a robust tourism sector to grow in the area.

A core decision-making tool for Community Foundations across Canada is the Vital Signs Data Program. ETSI-BC was delighted to support the Columbia Valley Community Foundation in creating its third Vital Signs Report which uses local knowledge to inspire action and improve quality of life in the community.

The Take2: Okanagan Film Fundamentals Bootcamp provided intensive hands-on training in the film industry to help address the need for local crew members. With the film industry expanding in the Okanagan and the corresponding job opportunities, the boot camp received seed funding from ETSI-BC’s Innovating and Advancing Key Sectors program.