About Us

About the Shuswap Economic Development Society

The Shuswap Economic Development Society (SEDS) – facilitator of economic development and investment attraction – is a not-for-profit organization focused on strengthening the economic future of the rural Shuswap region. It was formed in late 2020 and represents the communities within Rural Shuswap and North Okanagan..

Strategy and Initiatives

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Our Development Vision

Sorrento/Blind Bay Urban Hub (development intensification, Shuswap’s “Downtown”).
Vibrant Village Centres (densification/commerce).
Additional shovel-ready industrial land – Area C (Tappen north), Notch Hill rail spur.
Agrihood – Area C.
Celista Tourism Hub – waterfront development, trail/ski development.
Commercial node – Balmoral.
Skw’lax Opportunity Exploration.

Our Investment Attraction Strategy – Summary

Strategy is where value proposition and values is aligned with opportunity. Our strategy is big picture, longer term.

Investment Attraction Strategy Summary graphic

Our Key Initiatives

Gigabit Broadband – the Shuswap Region Broadband Co-op – founded by SEDS, Skw’lax Group Ltd., and the Village of Chase – aims to build an open-access fibre optic network to serve approximately 2,000 underserved households in rural Shuswap.

Marketing – the Shuswap Economic Development Society is producing a comprehensive set of marketing material to nurture investment attraction.

Hot Button Issues – three Shuswap Economic Development Society Task Forces are actively working on implementing the Investment Attraction Strategy: 1) Healthcare Services; 2) Agriculture; 3) Infrastructure.

Read our Economic Development Strategy

Read our Investment Attraction Strategy

Read our Our Advocacy Agenda

Board

Sue McCraeBoard President

With 45 years as a consultant, accountant, and CFO, Sue excels in guiding businesses through growth and change. Passionate about rural health, infrastructure, and housing, she complements her professional expertise with extensive Board service and volunteerism.

Josef BergerSecretary & Treasurer

With a focus on developing a stable economic in the Shuswap Lake region, Josef aims to guide decisions that support economic growth, including affordable housing, infrastructure, and education. He brings experience as a former Director at the North Shuswap Chamber of Commerce. Josef is co-owners Newscapes Landscaping in North Shuswap.

Rhys LaugBoard Director

With nearly 30 years in tourism, Rhys is a senior manager at Quaaout Lodge & Talking Stick Resort, playing a key role in recovery efforts after the 2022 fire at the lodge and the 2023 Bush Creek Wildfire. An outdoor enthusiast, he also supports regional arts and destination development initiatives.

Syd LoeppkyBoard Director

Syd, a Professional Land Surveyor and former business owner, brings extensive expertise in land surveying, urban planning, and development. A dedicated community contributor, he has served on numerous boards and committee while cherishing his role as a husband, father, and grandfather.

Hudson FoleyBoard Director

Bringing over 30 years of experience in environmental consulting, Hudson is dedicated to enhancing community development via strategic projects. His expertise in stakeholder engagement and regulatory processes reflects his commitment to fostering sustainable growth and supporting local initiatives for a thriving future. Hudson is VP at Maskwa Environmental Consulting.

Ronan RedelVice-President

Ronan is a Creative Director and Marketer specializing in photography, graphic design, and interactive media. His work has been featured both locally and international, with a focus on creating authentic, engaging stories. Ronan loves the Shuswap for its locally-grown food, warm lakes and rivers, and an endless network of gravel bike riding. Ronan is Principal, Ronan Redel Design.

Indigenous Relationships

The Shuswap is named after the Shuswap Indigenous Peoples – the Secwepemc – a Salish Nation made up of 17 Indigenous groups or bands, with unceded, ancestral lands, spread across south-central British Columbia. Our goal is to establish strong, respectful and reconciliatory relationships, and to identify collaborative opportunities with indigenous partners.

Three Indigenous groups have Reserve lands in our collective service area:

Contact Us

Get in touch to help you explore your investment/relocation opportunity, and grow your business.

info@shuswapecdev.ca

Physical Address:
#10, 2417 Golf Course Drive
Blind Bay, BC V0E 1H2