The pioneering spirit associated with the early history of Boston Bar and North Bend is evident again. The area was once one of the richest gold mining areas in Canada, later supported by forestry. But after a major mill closed in the 1980s, many people moved away and the economy began to decline. With the support of the Economic Trust of the Southern Interior (ETSI-BC), the community conducted an analysis of its needs, strengths, and opportunities, renewing the promise of a strong and sustainable future.

The momentum continues as Sun Peaks Resort rolls out a marketing and awareness campaign to create a more resilient and sustainable economy in the post-pandemic era. Supported by the Economic Trust of Southern Interior (ETSI-BC), the project is attracting more diverse customers with new options for meeting and event space at the world-class Sun Peaks Centre.

Special events have been part of the tourism offering in the Columbia Valley, and they provide significant economic benefits to the region’s economy. During COVID-19, however, several signature events were shut down. Costs were increasing, travel was declining and the area was facing competition from events from other communities. With the support of ETSI-BC, the communities of the Columbia Valley came together to develop an events development strategy that has put the region on course to become a primary event destination.

Supporting local agriculture and increasing food security are economic priorities in the Arrow Lakes region of the West Kootenays. The Grow Arrow Lakes Project, driven by the Nakusp and Area Development Board (NADB), has provided important insight to developing the sector through engagement with its diverse players. The project was supported with funding from the Economic Trust of Southern Interior (ETSI-BC).

Opportunities for a cleaner, greener and sustainable future for the Kootenays are being realized through a dynamic partnership between the Kootenay Association for Science and Technology (KAST) and the BC Net Zero Innovation Network at Foresight Canada. The project is the first consultation of its kind between industry and cleantech innovators in the region, and the project has been supported by funding from ETSI-BC.