Partnerships & Economy

PARTNERSHIPS

AND ECONOMY

WHAT WE MEAN

We will provide services, pursue joint opportunities, and build prosperity throughout the Columbia Shuswap in collaboration with the Secwépemc, member municipalities, economic and regional development agencies and others.

Sicamous-to-Armstrong Rail Trail — The CSRD, Splatsin and Regional District of North Okanagan continue to work together in moving the vision for the rail trail project forward. There has been progress, although most efforts in 2020 have been behind-the-scenes work. A draft development plan was presented to the Shuswap North Okanagan Rail Trail Governance Advisory Committee which identified additional requirements due to erosion and the need for a highway overpass. This increased the project cost to an estimated $23 million. Other work included developing new License and Upland Consent Agreements for adjacent property owners and consulting with affected agricultural landowners and the Agricultural Land Commission. Applications for federal and provincial grant funding are also ongoing.

Emergency Economic Action Strategy — The pandemic highlighted the need for a regional response to help sustain the Shuswap economy through the tremendous changes wrought by the pandemic. As soon as pandemic restrictions hit, Shuswap Economic Development, Shuswap Tourism, Salmon Arm Economic Development Society, Community Futures Shuswap and the Tsuts’weye Women’s Entrepreneur and Innovation Network came together to develop a phased response to the economic impacts facing Shuswap businesses and organizations. An Emergency Support Hub was set up as a one-stop place for businesses seeking support to make contact. Businesses were surveyed about their immediate and longer-term needs and specific supports were set up, including a program which also partnered with Okanagan College to assist local businesses with the transition to e-commerce.

Shuswap Watershed Council — The CSRD continues to partner with the Shuswap Watershed Council, adopting a bylaw extending its services for a threeyear term until the end of 2023. The agreement set the maximum tax requisition limit at the same rate as in previous years. In addition, any plans to make the service permanent or to extend it the beyond the three-year term will require the approval of the electors by alternative approval process or referendum. The purpose of the Shuswap Watershed Council is to collaborate, promote, protect and monitor water quality in those parts of the Shuswap Watershed that make up the service area, and to promote recreational water safety.