Economic Development
New and Improved Public Spaces and Tourism Experiences
The Government of Canada is making investments across British Columbia to refresh community spaces, attract new visitors, and stimulate local economies Safe and inclusive public spaces and dynamic tourism attractions are key to vibrant communities. They bring together people of all ages and abilities, in turn supporting businesses and boosting economic vitality. Throughout the East…
Read MoreA Post-Pandemic Policy Agenda for Rural and Smaller Canadian Communities
Many of us know someone who, at the height of the pandemic, picked up and moved from an urban centre to a smaller, more rural Canadian community. Though small and rural communities face unique challenges across this country, we know one thing: inclusive and sustainable growth principles are becoming foundational to economic decision-making across the…
Read MoreWhat is Rural Policy Today? A pan-Canadian scan of policies for rural spaces
Rural regions are at the forefront of change. As our great green places—with the vast majority of land and natural resources—they are central to climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts. Read the full report here: Rural-Policies-CRRF-2022 The rapid need to de-carbonize economies is leading to large new investments in renewable energy infrastructure, transforming rural landscapes…
Read MoreStudy finds Rural Connectivity Benefits People, Economy
The Kootenay Connectivity Benefits Study, released by BC Stats, finds high-speed internet connectivity expansions in rural, remote and Indigenous communities positively impacts both local and provincial economies in the short and long term. Read the Full Report Here: Kootenay Connectivity Report 2022 BC Stats conducted a study of the Kootenay Economic Region to examine the…
Read MoreNet Zero Energy Duplex at Williams Lake First Nation Completed
A new net zero energy duplex at Williams Lake First Nation (WLFN) in the Cariboo is one of six demonstration projects by builders across Canada. Zirnhelt Timber Frames near Williams Lake and five other companies are working with the Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) to advance the net zero home industry. For the new duplex’s…
Read MoreWorking Professionals and Retirees Moving Out of the Lower Mainland
Working professionals and retirees make up the majority moving to Penticton – Most people are moving from the Lower Mainland A growing number of working professionals between the ages of 31 to 44 are moving to Penticton, many of whom have children, according to new data collected by the city. Of the 300 new residents…
Read MoreAn Infrastructure Gap Slows Down Adoption of EV
‘The gap is large’: B.C.’s small towns illuminate urban-rural divide in EV infrastructure There’s an infrastructure gap that’s slowing down the adoption of electric vehicles across B.C. Here’s what three small towns — urban and rural — are doing to close it. In areas with less population density, British Columbians outside of city centres are…
Read MoreRural BC Project – Video
The purpose of the Rural BC Project was to develop recommendations to the provincial government on actions that would help facilitate rural development in BC. The video below was produced in 2013 when the BC Rural Centre was SIBAC (Southern Interior Beetle Action Collation). SIBAC partnered with the other two regional Beetle Action Coalitions to…
Read MoreEVENT: Power to the People – Bankstown, NSW
In 2022, The Bank of I.D.E.A.S. will partner with Community Minds to bring it to Bankstown! to deliver our annual National Community Development Conference. The theme for the Power to the People 2022 Conference is “Diversity and Inclusion – Cultivating and Celebrating Our Diverse Communities”. The Power to the People Conference Program, 2022 aims to create the space for participants to explore how communities can…
Read MoreA Memorandum of Understanding on Local Government Financial Resiliency
The Province and Union of BC Municipalities will work together to review the local government finance system in B.C. to ensure that municipal governments and regional districts remain resilient in the face of economic changes. Municipal Affairs Minister Josie Osborne, Finance Minister Selina Robinson, and UBCM President Laurey-Anne Roodenburg have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Local…
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