?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).
Investment Opportunities in Sicamous being Showcased
In the town of Sicamous in the Shuswap region of BC, staff at the community’s municipal hall and the Sicamous Chamber of Commerce receive frequent inquiries from developers, realtors and potential business investors about the community. With limited resources to respond professionally and efficiently, the need for a Community and Investment Profile and professional marketing materials was identified as a priority in the town’s 2021/2022 Community Economic Development Plan. The Economic Trust of the Southern Interior (ETSI-BC) supported development of the profile which is already attracting new investment to the area.
ETSI-BC spoke with Carly Procyshyn, Tourism and Economic Development Coordinatorfor Sicamous, to learn more about the project.
Interview:
Why did this project need to happen in your community?
Prior to having the new investment package and Community Profile brochure, we had no assets available to promote our community or current data to share with developers, local businesses and potential investors. We are mostly known as a tourism destination with a rich outdoor recreation culture, but there are also tremendous untapped business and development opportunities.
The District of Sicamous Develop Corporation (DOSDCO) is the Community Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) for Sicamous, and first impressions are important to selling a community in a professional and engaging way. Now we have the tools to do that. We are already seeing new businesses opening, jobs being created, and an improved quality of life for our residents.
What was essential to do the work?
We needed a marketing firm experienced in data collection in small communities with a track record of creating effective branding materials. The grant funding provided by ETSI-BC enabled us to hire Genex Marketing in Cranbook to research and develop the profile. With just myself coordinating Sicamous’ tourism and economic development function, we needed an outside resource to do that work.
Genex analyzed successful investment profiles from other communities to identify strategies and best practices for Sicamous. The result is a Community and Investor Profile available in print and digital form with well-sourced data, compelling content and lively graphics, ready for distribution. Within five minutes of a phone call from a potential investor, I can follow up with quality materials.
Were there any challenges with the project?
It can be difficult to get data sets for small, rural communities. This is why Genex was such a valuable asset: it is experienced working with small communities, and is known for the accuracy of their data sets.
Because this was a new project, I had to pitch it to our board of directors, local businesses and investors. That takes a lot of time and it was all happening during COVID when investors were really diligent about researching where they might set up shop or relocate. Genex was very diligent with the engagement process, ensuring that the profile provided “good” data and presented the facts in a clear, straightforward way.
What are the key outcomes since the new Profile has been used?
Having professionally researched and designed Investment and Community Profile has greatly expanded our capacity to attract new investment. While creating the Profile, a local photographer, drone pilot and printing company were hired to produce the marketing assets. Three new commercial projects were initiated in 2024 including a Dairy Queen, a 55-unit commercial building with 4,000 square feet of rentable space, and a six-phase mixed use building offering storefront and office space. There are many discussions going on about additional projects and a lot of new residential developments are also underway.
How do you measure the success of the project?
When the final investor package was presented to the community, the Mayor and City Council were very positive about the project and local realtors welcomed the new investment attraction tools. The impact will be measured at least once a year by tracking the number of jobs created, how much money has been invested in the community, and the number of businesses retained and attracted.
As a development corporation, our reputation has improved and we have more confidence in presenting what the community offers as a place to live and invest in. It was a very engaging project and I too learned a great deal about our community.
What’s next in your Investment Attraction work?
The focus will continue to be on attracting commercial development to Sicamous. A new Community Plan will be in place in 2026 focusing on tourism development, business retention and expansion, land development and investment attraction; with our professional marketing assets and established distribution system, we’re ready to go!
Read more: District of Sicamous Investment Profile and Sicamous Community Profile
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