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.

In the fertile Similkameen Valley, the Lower Similkameen Indian Band (LSIB) is re-investing in its agricultural roots with an updated agriculture plan. Supported with funding from ETSI-BC, the new plan has helped this First Nation to access a much larger funding opportunity which will help them achieve greater food security and long-term economic benefits.

With a new Tourism Master Plan, the City of Cranbrook has taken a holistic approach to maximizing the benefits of its thriving tourism industry and guiding overall economic growth. The community’s ‘look and feel’ is already changing as it rolls out the plan, which was supported by grant funding from ETSI-BC.

Rec-Tech is taking hold in the Kootenays! With support from ETSI-BC, Kootenay Outdoor Recreation Enterprises (KORE) hosted Canada’s first conference for outdoor gear makers and designers last fall in Kimberley. More than 100 delegates from across Western Canada came together to learn, network, collaborate and innovate. The wildly successful first event now promises to be held annually, with the second event coming up in October 2023.