The Thompson-Okanagan region is a well-known Canadian tourist destination, it is not immune to the shortage of skilled workers experienced in many Canadian communities. International recruitment is considered a key tool for addressing worker shortages in the area. With the support of the Economic Trust of the Southern Interior (ETSI-BC), three major economic development organizations collaborated to market the region at the world’s largest emigration event in Houten, Netherlands in 2023. The initiative has led to an ongoing strategy to attract new talent and help the region grow and thrive.

Kamloops’ North Shore Business Improvement Association (NSBIA) has grown significantly since its inception, but after almost three decades, it was time to validate its strategic direction and value proposition to members and stakeholders. With the support of the Economic Trust of the Southern Interior (ETSI-BC), the NSBIA conducted a Membership Engagement and Return on Investment Project in 2022 which confirmed its good work and where the organization goes next.

It’s been three years since the Economic Trust of the Southern Interior (ETSI-BC) and Mitacs launched their research funding partnership serving the Southern Interior of BC, and they are excited to share some key outcomes and reflect on future opportunities.

Visitors to Hope are discovering that the community is much more than a convenient gas and pit stop off the highway when travelling to and from the Lower Mainland. As a new downtown revitalization strategy rolls out, a more vibrant and engaging downtown area is emerging, drawing both residents and tourist traffic into the area, and creating new economic opportunities. The project was supported with funding from the Economic Trust of the Southern Interior (ETSI-BC).

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.

The community of Grand Forks, in Boundary Country, is seeking to grow its local economy by attracting new investment in key sectors. The Grand Forks Sector Development Project has completed action plans for the Agriculture, Hospitality, and Health and Wellness sectors along with dynamic investment marketing tools. The project is expected to generate new investment into the local economy across each key sector, and it was carried out with financial support from ETSI-BC, the Economic Trust of the Southern Interior.