Keeping It Rural Conference
About the event
Across Canada, rural communities share many of the same issues and challenges. It can be both helpful and inspiring to hear how small rural communities, First Nations, rural development organizations, and rural sector leaders from throughout rural, remote, and First Nation communities across BC have successfully strengthened their rural communities.
As a result, the BC Rural Centre strives to organize and host a major rural development conference that profiles successful and innovative rural development initiatives.
The venue
How we select a location:
We select a location that is easily accessible for attendees from both within the province and beyond. While this may not always be in a rural area—given the real capacity challenges many rural communities face—we aim to avoid placing any burden on smaller towns. We focus on choosing a central venue with suitable amenities to ensure a memorable and successful conference, that is also affordable. If your community is interested in hosting the conference, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Reserve Your Room
KEEPING IT RURAL: A BC RURAL CENTRE EVENT
Start Date: Tuesday, June 10th, 2025
End Date: Thursday, June 12th, 2025
Room Block Discount Booking Deadline: May 14th, 2025
Four Points by Sheraton Kelowna Airport starting from:
- $169 per night
- $10 Parking per day
The schedule
The three-day event is packed full of inspiration and ample networking opportunities. The schedule will be released here and will also be sent out to our mailing list and those who have registered for the conference.
We can confirm that the conference will start on Tuesday, June 10th at 12noon and wrap up on Thursday, June 12th at 12noon.
Keynote Speakers & Workshops
Ken Coates
Dr. Ken Coates was previously a professor of Indigenous Governance, at Yukon University, and Canada Research Chair in Regional Innovation, at the University of Saskatchewan. He was also Dean, of the Faculty of Arts, at the University of Waterloo, and has worked at universities across Canada and New Zealand.
Raised in Whitehorse, Yukon, Ken has a long-standing personal and professional interest in regional and northern economic development, with a particular emphasis on responding to the challenges and opportunities facing Indigenous communities. He was the Chair of the Thematic Network on Circumpolar Innovation established under the University of the Arctic and is actively engaged with a series of community-based research projects that are seeking to identify appropriate and constructive applications of new technologies in rural and remote areas.
Percy Guichon
Percy Guichon is the Executive Director of Central Chilcotin Rehabilitation Ltd (CCR), a joint venture company owned by the Tŝideldel First Nation, the Tl’etinqox Government, and the Yunesit’in Government, and an elected Councillor of Tŝideldel First Nation. From a young age, Percy was an active member of his community and developed a strong interest in forestry. He attended the College of New Caledonia in Prince George, where he earned a Forest Technician Diploma. Percy was able to combine both of his passions into a meaningful career that has created new opportunities for his community. He recognizes the challenges faced by CCR and credits the company's success to perseverance, hard work, and the unwavering support of the community. Percy's commitment to making a positive impact on both the land and its people is reflected in CCR's recognized leadership within the forestry industry.
Checkout the Exciting Lineup of Speakers, Panelists, and Presenters for 2025
Sponsorship
Consider signing on as a Sponsor of the Keeping it Rural Conference. The BC Rural Centre's commitment lies in fostering sustainable development, empowering local businesses, and preserving the unique lifestyle that thrives in rural areas. Your supporting this conference, will amplify voices from these communities, ensuring they have a platform to address challenges, share successes, and inspire innovative solutions. Through collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and actionable initiatives, we strive to cultivate a brighter future where rural communities flourish and thrive. Together, we embrace the spirit of rural resilience and champion the importance of Keeping it Rural.
What people say about it
The power of the people in the room. It feels much more connected when there aren't breakouts. At every Keeping It Rural Conference I feel like I'm part of a team, in a room with others who have energy & vision to make change
Vicki
Southern Interior
It's a great place for people who are living and working in rural communities to come together to share their concerns and feel heard. It was very uplifting to hear about all the good work that's happening around our province and learn about new opportunities to try!
Rebecca
Kootenay Boundary
I get more out of this conference than all the rest combined.
Brad
Northern BC (PRRD)
The conference brings together so many passionate community leaders and experts looking to learn, connect, and grow rural BC.
Kyle
Cooperatives First
Ability to check in with rural counterparts And see what their challenges are and how we can all collaborate together in one voice to either the provincial and federal governments and work towards solutions!
Steve
Cariboo
If you live in a rural community and care about sustaining the quality of life you have come to know and cherish - then you can't miss this event! The connections made and topics covered are of huge value to any rural decision-maker and resident.
Reginald
West Kootenay
The Keeping It Rural Conference is an incredible opportunity to network, learn new things, and show our passion for rural living. Rural communities depend on each other in more ways than can be described, yet often need access to information that is not readily available to do so. Conferences like this bring us together to share what we know and to bring it back to better the lives of those who we call our community. An incredible experience!
Arin
West Kootenay
Keeping It Rural means we are restoring our water and environment and our relationship with First Nations to live, work, and support each other for our communities and economy.
Judy
Thompson Nicola
The BC Rural Centre hosted an incredible event. The value of attending is still being used today, as we navigate through an ever-changing world. I look forward to being able to see the innovative ideas brought forth at the next event.
Kimberlee
South Okanagan
Thank you to our 2025 Sponsors!
