When the Central Kootenay communities of Balfour and the East Shore of Kootenay Lake were hit with a lengthy ferry strike in late 2024, economic development and tourism partners worked closely with businesses on both sides of Kootenay Lake to address the impacts of a significant loss of visitors to the area. With support from the Economic Trust of the Southern Interior, (ETSI-BC), the area’s Destination Marketing Organization, Nelson Kootenay Lake Tourism (NKLT), quickly launched the “No Better Time, No Better Place” marketing campaign as soon as the strike ended, encouraging visitors to return to the communities most affected.
The District of Lake Country, one of the fastest growing communities in BC, has reached an economic milestone with the development of the 200-acre Lake Country Business Park.
The recently completed Area Structure Plan (ASP) for the Lake Country Business Park provides the vision, objectives and land use strategy to build out the future economic hub of Lake Country while addressing the complex issues of long-range planning. The plan lays the groundwork for a new employment centre that will attract investment, support local businesses, and improve access to jobs closer to home. The development will also include transportation connections and housing options designed to support a growing workforce while maintaining the character of the community.
The District of Lake Country contracted Placemark Design Consultants to prepare both the Terms of Reference and the Area Structure Plan for the project. Additional funding from the Economic Trust of the Southern Interior (ETSI-BC) supported the cost of extensive research, community engagement and consultation.
ETSI-BC spoke with Ruth Sulentich, Economic Development and Public Engagement Specialist at the District of Lake Country.
ETSI-BC:
Why was this project important for Lake Country?
Development of the Business Park has been on our desks for several years and is referenced in the District’s Regional 2013 Growth Strategy and 2018 Official Community Plan. As Lake Country grew rapidly, it became increasingly important to create more local employment opportunities, attract new business investment, and diversify the mainly residential tax base.
The Area Structure Plan serves as a comprehensive guide for managing future rezoning, subdivision and development permit applications, and is being completed in phases. The initial phase involved constant communication with landowners, businesses and municipal partners to make sure everyone was aligned in what we wanted for the hub.
How will the District of Lake Country benefit from the Business Park?
Once complete, the Business Park will stimulate new development, attract new businesses, support higher paying jobs, and help diversify our economy. Businesses will benefit from regional connectivity and residents will have convenient access to employment, transportation, services, and schools.
As the Okanagan continues to experience strong demand for commercial and industrial space, this work positions Lake Country to respond to investment inquiries by offering designated employment lands, servicing strategies, improved road connectivity, zoning frameworks and development policies.
What challenges did you have during the project?
The Business Park site was originally known as the Glenmore Industrial Lands and included multiple parcels held by different landowners with varying development goals and timelines. At times it was challenging to align their diverse needs for infrastructure and development standards with the long range vision for the park.
In addition, we were bound to complete the Area Structure Plan by August 18, 2025 to meet Lake Country rezoning requirements. One of the proposed uses for the business park lands was a data centre which the community clearly indicated it did not want. Council understood this, removed the data centre component and we met our deadline.
What’s next for the Business Park?
The foundation is now in place to market the Business Park to potential investors and businesses. The InvestLakeCountryBC.com website has been developed to showcase the community and provide the information that investors need. A Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) strategy is also in place and focused on attracting companies involved in viticulture, manufacturing and professional services to the business park.
Over the last year and a half, I represented Lake Country at a number of franchise trade shows. Lake Country is a hub for sports teams and needs food outlets and other services that cater to this group so they can spend their money in our community. We already have several restaurant franchises and a gym franchise on the site.
We’re currently focused on road improvements. By the time that is completed in 2027, the look and feel of the Business Park will show that this dynamic project is really here and making a huge difference to our economic future!