The Shuswap Economic Development Society has completed its Community Economic Development Strategy (2023), establishing a renewed long-term framework to guide economic growth, investment readiness, and community resilience across the Shuswap region.
The strategy sets out a coordinated approach to strengthening the regional economy by focusing on diversification, business retention and expansion, and improved investment attraction capacity. It also emphasizes the importance of aligning economic development with community priorities, including quality of life, housing availability, workforce development, and sustainable growth across local communities.
Developed through regional collaboration and stakeholder engagement, the strategy reflects a shared vision for a more resilient and competitive Shuswap economy—one that builds on existing sector strengths while creating new opportunities for entrepreneurs, businesses, and investors.
Key strategy areas are (in order): 1. Improve community services and infrastructure (healthcare, education, utility enhancement, waste management, childcare, investment co-op); 2) Market a business and labour friendly environment environment (buy local, labour market plan, amenities for remote workers/tech/families, conference / tradeshow / event promo, pop-up permitting, more commercial / industrial land, attract employer investment); 3) Grow healthy local food systems (succession planning, new farms); 4) Inclusive active transportation and housing (affordability and choice, road & pathway enhancement, village centre enhancement, public/green transportation options); 5. Recreational programming and spaces for all (year-round events, enhanced public beach/lake access, more rec facilities); 6. Promote year-round tourism (support Shuswap tourism initiatives, diversify/expand tourist accommodation while managing short-term rentals, encourage cycle tourism).
With the strategy complete, implementation focuses on turning priorities into action through targeted initiatives, partnerships, and supporting tools that help local governments and industry work more cohesively toward shared economic outcomes. Implementation focus has included task force work in disaster (wildfire) recovery, healthcare, agriculture, and advanced broadband infrastructure expansion.
The Community Economic Development Strategy provides a foundation for the next phase of regional economic development, positioning the Shuswap to respond more effectively to changing economic conditions while supporting both business investment and community well-being.
