Similkameen Economic Vitality Plan Drives Growth and Resilience

April 30, 2026

In remote and rural communities, business development and diversification are essential for a sustainable economy, yet the time, personnel and resources needed for strategic planning are often limited.

In the Village of Keremeos, the Similkameen Country Development Association (SCDA) provides economic development services while also serving as the local Chamber of Commerce and managing the Keremeos Visitor Information Centre (VIC). The community has evolved from its agricultural roots to supporting a robust tourism sector, dynamic outdoor adventures, and an affordable quality of life, and is one of the fastest growing rural communities in BC.

The SCDA has spent years increasing its effectiveness through restructuring, training, and investment. In 2024 with the support of ETSI-BC, it began work on an Economic Vitality Initiative for Keremeos, a blueprint for attracting, retaining and expanding local businesses. Multiple stakeholders collaborated on the project and now it’s all hands-on-deck to implement the plan.

ETSI-BC spoke with Vanessa Schwoegler-Abbott, Executive Administrator of the SCDA about the project.

ETSI-BC: Why is this Initiative so important for Keremeos and area?

Schwoegler-Abbott: Although Keremeos has realized considerable growth, in 2022, the impacts of COVID, weather events and other factors created a push to better support our local businesses. We finalized the SDCA’s strategic plan, explored shoulder season tourism opportunities, and completed a formal agri-tourism plan. The Economic Vitality Initiative was the critical next step to identify specific strategies to improve opportunities for local businesses and how to move them forward.

What did the project consist of?

With just two part-time employees, myself and VIC coordinator Hugh Gillis, we needed a consultant to help us create the plan and keep it on track. The ETSI-BC funding enabled us to hire an economic development consultant who knows the Similkameen well. She and her team engaged businesses, vendors, regional government representatives, our board of directors and other community members to understand the local economic landscape including market trends and industry prospects. In the process, Hugh and I benefited from economic development training to support us in implementing the project.

Were there any challenges to the project?

In late 2024, our team adjusted operations for a period while continuing to deliver visitor services. This was a busy and productive time, and after several months we returned to the Visitor Centre and were able to work more closely with the consultant on the strategy. Despite a slight adjustment to the timeline, the project remained on track in terms of quality and impact.

What stage is the Initiative at now?

The very comprehensive Economic Vitality Initiative is now complete, and the overall goal is to implement the strategies by 2028. These include short and long-term initiatives, some of which are already changing the look of the community.

For example, new wayfinding signage has been installed. Improvements to popular visitor stopping points and rest areas are underway, improving the attractiveness and functionality of the area. This is especially important at the intersection of the Highway 3 and Highway 97, the main transportation links to the Similkameen. Longer-term initiatives include national and international advertising campaigns to attract greater investment into the area, created in collaboration with marketing associations such as Destination BC, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, and the Similkameen Valley Planning Society.

Local businesses, most of whom are SCDA members, have actively engaged in the planning process and will benefit from strategies to better attract and retain businesses, identify job postings, and connect investors with businesses for sale. Looking ahead, there is potential for projects such as the development of a commercial business centre, a hub for agri-technology, and continued investment in the Similkameen’s already established identity as a distinct wine region.

Other initiatives support community development and an improved quality of life such as building the community’s volunteering spirit and ensuring an inclusive, welcoming environment with improved access to public spaces. Strong relationships with our First Nations are bringing more First Nations history and culture into community life as well.

These are just some of the strategies in place; now we are looking at what partners and players are needed to do the work and how they will do it.

How do you measure the success of the project?

The greatest success to date is completing a comprehensive economic development strategy where none previously existed. Although no new investment has been confirmed, the Economic Vitality Initiative has re-positioned Keremeos to attract more visitors, support business growth and pursue new economic opportunities well into the future.

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