After years of working proactively to plan for its future, the District of Elkford, a vibrant community in the Kootenay Rockies, has a new action-oriented Economic Development Strategy to help develop a more diversified, sustainable and resilient economy.

Established in 1970 as a home for miners, the population of Elkford has grown to almost 3,000 people with almost half of its labor force still employed in the mining industry. The new Economic Development Strategy, funded by ETSI-BC during FY2024, recognizes that growth opportunities will continue through mining and in addition, provides steps to further develop tourism, alternative energy, real estate, health services, education and other growing sectors.

“We wanted a clear guide for how the district can ‘level up’ our economic development efforts to encourage sustainable growth in our key sectors,” says Jeremy Johnson, who was Director of Planning and Development Services for the district when the project took place. “The final document is a guide for the district using a concise set of goals and objectives that align with specific action items.”

The Economic Trust of the Southern Interior (ETSI-BC) supported the project through its Building Economic Capacity funding stream which supports projects that improve the capacity of smaller Southern Interior communities and First Nations. The District of Elkford oversaw administration of the project and provided a matching contribution. The funding was used to hire Urban Systems, specialists in engineering and planning services, to do the strategic planning work. 

Strategy Validated Through Stakeholder Engagement

The initiative builds on previous strategies and plans for Elkford including a downtown revitalization plan, investor package, business retention and expansion report, and community mapping. These documents helped set the stage for strategic planning sessions attended by diverse stakeholders: district leaders, members of the business community, Chamber of Commerce representatives and First Nations members who came together to discuss Elkford’s opportunities and challenges and their vision for the future.

Key Areas for Growth

“The district owns numerous shovel-ready commercial lots, and a big part of the planrelates to preparing land for investors,” says Jeff McConnell, the new Chief Administrative Officer for the District of Elkford since November 2024. “We want to send out the message that we are open for development.”

As part of the planning process, a Lands and Infrastructure Assessment was done to identify properties with the most potential to make a positive economic impact. A land package was created and has already attracted interest from potential investors. The district has received offers on land, applications to introduce new mines in the valley and offers to extend current mining projects.

Improvements to the district’s development process guides are underway, and an annual forum is proposed to advance reconciliation, relationship building and economic partnerships with First Nations.

Tourism is another important economic driver in the community. Elkford’s “Wild at Heart” branding is reflected in numerous outdoor trails, parks and greenspace, the Wapiti Ski Hill and Bike Park/Pump Track. The strategy provides steps to further grow tourism including integrating mountain bike trails into the ski hill, creating a robust network for walking and cycling, and generating a stronger recreation culture. The opportunity to build a reputation for destination events such as races and festivals is also identified.

The strategy includes additional recommendations and action items to improve services, infrastructure and quality of life for residents. It is a living document that can be updated as economic conditions evolve. As the strategy’s impact and outcomes are evaluated, it is anticipated that a part-time economic development role may be created.

“The new strategy will attract more investment and ensures informed, confident decision-making for the next five to 10 years and beyond,” says McConnell.