Our Region

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.

For purpose of investment its important to understand municipal government structure.

The Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) encompasses four incorporated member municipalities (cities of Salmon Arm, Revelstoke, Town of Golden, District of Sicamous) and seven unincorporated rural electoral areas (A, B, C, D, E, F, G), which together form its administrative divisions.
The member municipalities serve as local governments within the CSRD boundaries, handling urban services like water, sewage, and policing, while participating in regional planning.

The seven electoral areas provide governance for rural and remote portions of the CSRD, emphasizing land management, environmental protection, and community services (water systems, fire protection, land use planning, building inspections, waste management, and noxious weed control, tailored to their unincorporated communities).

  • Electoral Area C, located along the Trans-Canada Highway west of Salmon Arm and known as the South Shuswap, manages farmland, lake access, and recreational trails in areas like Sunnybrae and Tappen.
  • Electoral Area D, south and west of Salmon Arm, supports agricultural and forestry economies in expansive rural lands, with services centered on farming communities and valley infrastructure.
  • Electoral Area F, on the north side of Shuswap Lake, oversees seasonal tourism and salmon habitat protection in communities such as Scotch Creek and Seymour Arm.
  • Electoral Area G, established in 2022 as a division of the former Electoral Area C, covers the South Shuswap along Shuswap Lake, focusing on residential development and highway-adjacent services in places like Blind Bay and Sorrento.

These entities collaborate through the CSRD Board of Directors, where each electoral area elects one director, while the municipalities appoint representatives proportional to their population: two from the City of Salmon Arm, and one each from the City of Revelstoke, Town of Golden, and District of Sicamous.

Electoral Area Communities

Area C (South Shuswap)

Sunnybrae – orchards and dramatic shoreline define this scenic lakeside enclave.
Tappen – productive farmland rooted in agriculture and valley heritage.
White Lake – a peaceful inland lake community known for recreation and retreat.
Eagle Bay – winding lakeshore living with privacy, coves, and elevated vistas.
Skimikin – equestrian country shaped by open pasture and forest trails.

Area D (SW Shuswap)

Falkland – a proud ranching town and western gateway to the Shuswap.
Deep Creek – rich agricultural land anchoring a hardworking rural community.
Ranchero – a key crossroads blending highway commerce and surrounding farmland.
Salmon Valley – spacious country living just minutes from Salmon Arm.
Silver Creek – a growing family-oriented community with schools and open space.
Gardom Lake – a small, swimmable lake community centered on simple summer living.

Area F (North Shuswap)

Lee Creek – a ferry-linked lakeside settlement and northern entry to the shoreline.
Scotch Creek – the North Shuswap’s bustling summer heart for beach life and business.
Celista – sunny beaches and orchards line this relaxed lakeshore stretch.
Magna Bay – quiet waterfront living backed by forested hills.
Anglemont – hillside homes and golf with panoramic Shuswap Lake views.
St. Ives – a historic lakeside hamlet rich in early settler roots.
Seymour Arm – remote and rugged, where the Shuswap feels vast and wild.

Area G (South Shuswap)

Carlin – quiet rural living where forest edges meet open country calm.
Balmoral – hillside homes with lake views and easy access to Blind Bay.
Blind Bay – the South Shuswap’s vibrant lakeside hub for recreation and year-round living.
Notch Hill – historic farmland with sweeping views and enduring rural character.
Sorrento – a welcoming village blending lakeside lifestyle with small-town spirit.