?aq’am Community Enterprises (ACE) is the economic development arm of the ?aq’am First Nation, the largest member of Ktunaxa Nation. Known for its progressive business development goals, ACE undertook a comprehensive review of its strategic priorities. The result is a dynamic new five-year strategic plan that will guide more efficient, tactical, and resilient delivery of ACE’s programs and services. The project was supported by the Economic Trust of the Southern Interior (ETSI-BC).
Peachland Pursues Downtown Revitalization to Keep Pace with Growth
The charming community of Peachland, situated on a stunning stretch of waterfront on Okanagan Lake, has big plans for its future. The community has been growing rapidly and is focussed on major infrastructure improvements and a revitalization strategy for its downtown.
The project has completed two of four phases, bringing the community closer to having a new Downtown Redevelopment Implementation Strategy (DRIS) in place for the new year. The DRIS will outline the vision, goals and objectives for downtown Peachland and the regulatory framework essential to guide growth and development.
Joe Creron, Chief Administrative Officer for the District of Peachland says, “Although we continue to experience record development and building activity, most development has taken place outside of downtown and some key services have also relocated away from the area. Currently downtown is a mix of commercial and mainly single-family residential properties with under-utilized lots.”
The project is a long-awaited update to the District of Peachland’s Sustainable Downtown Plan adopted in 2010. It is based on extensive public consultation and analyses of population growth, trade areas, retail and housing demand, and recreational and educational opportunities. “The DRIS It will optimize available land for its highest and best use while considering what the community values most and the new economic reality,” adds Creron.
Ensuring a Realistic, Achievable Plan
The Economic Trust of the Southern Interior (ETSI-BC) supported the project through its Building Economic Development Capacity funding stream as a large-scale project that provides in-depth planning for a small community. The funding was used to create an Economic Land Use Analysis (ELUA) and a Retail Review for the community.
The ELUA, developed by Urban Systems, is a ‘how to’ document for updating regulations and taking actions to grow Peachland’s downtown. It includes financial analyses prepared for three sites using different development scenarios and identifies categories best suited to a downtown location.
The Retail Review provides an inventory of the space being used for retail purposes, 60 percent of which are located in downtown Peachland. It also includes an analysis of retail demand within 10 years, insight to the unique factors affecting retail demand, and potential solutions.
Community Task Force to Guide Council
A Downtown Revitalization Task Force was established by Peachland City Council in late 2023 to provide guidance to Council and staff during the creation of the DRIS. The Task Force, a short-term advisory group that includes volunteer business owners, landowners, Peachland residents, and representatives for recreation and culture, will draft the implementation strategy for Council’s consideration in Winter 2024.
Citizen surveys have consistently shown that Peachland residents prize their waterfront and want to build on the community’s interface with the water. A mix of small businesses and boutique shopping are desired to preserve the downtown’s character, as well as housing diversity, and the pedestrian friendly environment enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.
“The economic benefits of downtown revitalization projects, such as this one in Peachland are wide-reaching,” says Laurel Douglas, CEO of ETSI-BC. “While formalizing the vision of Peachland residents for a vibrant downtown, it will create more diversified commercial offerings, retain existing businesses and attract new ones, bringing new investment and economic opportunities to the community and the region.”
More News & Stories
Thompson-Okanagan Launches New Economic Development Practitioners Network
After a year of work connecting economic development practitioners across the Thompson-Okanagan, the region’s first Economic Development Practitioners Network (EDPN) is now in place. Modelled after the Kootenay Boundary EDPN created in 2014, the Thompson Okanagan EDPN includes community and municipal and First Nations economic development practitioners, Chambers of Commerce, Community Futures and other stakeholders. The group came together for the first time on April 8, 2026, where they learned, shared ideas and information, and further planned future activities. The Economic Trust of the Southern Interior (ETSI-BC) is committed to supporting both the Kootenay Boundary and Thompson-Okanagan networks of economic development practitioners.
2027-30 Strategic Planning and DAAP 4.39 Updates
June 25, 2026 – The Economic Trust of the Southern Interior (ETSI-BC) is grateful for the input from partners, funding recipients, committee members and other regional stakeholders who have taken the time to help inform our next three-year Strategic Plan for 2027-30. We are also pleased to provide an update on the status of the DAAP 4.39 action item.
ETSI-BC Fall 2026 Funding Intake: Up to $1M Available for Projects
June 18, 2026 – The Economic Trust of the Southern Interior (ETSI-BC) is pleased to announce that its next Funding Intake will launch on Tuesday, September 1, 2026 and close on Thursday, October 1, 2026.
ETSI-BC Spring Funding Intake Invests Over $1 Million to Strengthen the Southern Interior Economy
June 8, 2026 – Communities across British Columbia’s Southern Interior are set to benefit from a new round of investment through the Economic Trust of the Southern Interior. On June 5, 2026, ETSI-BC approved $1,011,000 in funding for 33 projects, representing a combined project value of $3 million. The funded initiatives will help communities diversify their local economies, support innovation, and respond to regional opportunities
Helping Shape the Future of ETSI-BC Support in the Southern Interior
May 11, 2026 – ETSI-BC is inviting partners from across the Southern Interior to participate in a series of virtual focus groups as part of an Impact Assessment that will inform its next three-year Strategic Plan, covering the period from April 1, 2027 to March 31, 2030.
Similkameen Economic Vitality Plan Drives Growth and Resilience
Keremeos, one of the fastest growing rural communities in British Columbia, has evolved from its agricultural heritage to a business hub at the heart of the Similkameen region with a robust tourist sector and vast potential to develop new business opportunities. In 2024, the Similkameen Country Development Association initiated a comprehensive Economic Vitality Initiative to better address the pressing needs of local businesses. Collaboration by many stakeholders along with funding support from the Economic Trust of the Southern Interior (ETSI-BC) drove the plan to completion, and the strategies it contains are now being implemented.
Ktunaxa Business Showcase Links Indigenous Businesses to Procurement Opportunities
The Ktunaxa Business Showcase, led by the Ktunaxa Nation Council (KNC), is expanding, improving and helping members secure new business contracts in southeastern BC. The success of the most recent 2025 Showcase event reflects strategic changes to the program’s timeline and format, and was supported by funding from the Economic Trust of the Southern Interior (ETSI-BC).
Strong Demand for ETSI-BC Spring Funding Intake
April 15, 2026 – The Economic Trust of the Southern Interior (ETSI-BC) closed its 2026 Spring Funding Intake, with a strong response from communities and organizations across the region. The intake closed on April 9, 2026, with 48 applications requesting nearly $1.7 million in funding, representing a combined project value of almost $4 million.
2026 ETSI-BC Legislative Review
March 30, 2026 – We are pleased to present the findings and recommendations of the 2026 ETSI-BC Legislative Review Committee. The Committee reviewed the Act that governs ETSI-BC and the proposed changes that the Province has put forward this year. A Legislative Review is conducted every 5 years by an independent committee. This year in particular, their report has several important recommendations of relevance to First Nations and local governments in the Southern Interior, and to the Province.