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“THE SHUSWAP”*

….the name itself puts an immediate smile on the face….a mythology of place, time, and connectivity to life with deeper meaning in lake shimmer, forest whispers, farm / orchard / vineyard fresh, and human connection. Life-work in balance….quieter rhythms…a spirit home.

No wonder 39% of our workforce is self-employed. The region offers affordable land, flexible spaces, and a supportive community – empowering self-employed innovators to make an impact, be inspired, and inspire others.

With a mind at ease and free to imagine possibilities, there’s a deep enterprise practicality to a Shuswap location:

• Industrial accessibility – mid-point between Vancouver and Calgary – two of western Canada’s largest (and rapidly growing) markets – on Trans Canada Highway 1. One to two-hour Highway 97 (south) market and value chain connection to central and north Okanagan. Ideal for industries that need connectivity, logistics, and market reach.
• Industrial land availability in Scotch Creek. Industrial land development opportunity in Tappen. Commercial land and lease opportunities focused on Sorrento/Blind Bay.
• Market growth – Columbia Shuswap Areas, C, D, F, G 10-year population growth of 17.3% to 2021. 1-2 hour market access to growing (33%, 15-year population growth) north and central Okanagan population of 355,000.
• Comparatively lower land, business and housing costs than large urban markets, with ability to participate in key economic sectors such as construction on acreage properties with room to grow.

The Columbia Shuswap Regional District offers area-specific advantages:

Area C

(South Shuswap incl. White Lake, Eagle Bay, Wild Rose Bay) thrives on tourism, lifestyle-driven services, and residential growth – creating a robust market for services and ventures that combine quality of life with commercial potential.

Area D

(Falkland, Ranchero / Deep Creek, Salmon Valley, Silver Creek) offers resource-rich and agriculturally productive land for agri-food innovation and forestry value-add, and innovative production systems that leverage natural assets and emerging markets.

Area F

(North Shuswap – Scotch Creek, Celista, Anglemont, Seymour Arm) blends recreational amenities with hospitality and creative enterprise potential. Amenity-rich and recreation-focused, Area F supports tourism, hospitality, and creative enterprises that capitalize on the Shuswap’s lifestyle and visitor appeal.

Area G

(South Shuswap incl. Sorrento, Blind Bay, Notch Hill) presents corridors for industrial enterprise, including logistics, craft-scale forestry value-add, and construction (including prefab systems and components value add) ventures. With the greatest population density in the north and south Shuswap, retail and professional services opportunities present themselves. There is additional Highway 1 corridor market capture potential.

The Shuswap offers a diverse and high-potential location where enterprise can scale, supply chains can flow, and markets are within reach. Build economic value. Live the better life. In the Shuswap.

Quick Facts

Population: 16,519 (2021)
Dwellings (2021): 10,688
Median Age (2021): 56 (BC 42.8)
Households: 7,365
Median Dwelling Value (2021): $523,795
Median Household Income (2021): $71,473
Number of Businesses (2025): 1952

Sources: Census Canada, 2021. Number of Businesses – Lightcast

Top Employers*

*estimated

School District No. 83: 300–500 (regional employment footprint)

Interior Health Authority: 200–400 (residents across C/G/D/F)

Quaaout Lodge & Talking Rock Golf Resort (Little Shuswap Lake Band): 150–200

Adams Lake Indian Band (Sexqeltqin): 100–200

Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD): Municipal Government: 100–150

Village Grocer (Sorento, Blind Bay): 100

White Lake Community Resorts & Lodges (aggregate): 50–100 (mostly seasonal)

Provincial Parks & Recreation Sites (North Shuswap): 40–80 (seasonal)

Shuswap Lake Estates / Golf Course operations: 40–70

CPKC Railway (Sorrento / Notch Hill corridor): 25–50

Amrize (former Lafarge) Falkland Gypsum/Anhydrite Quarry (Area D): 20