innovation Archives | BC Rural Centre

Net 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…

Two Cooperative Associations in BC’s Peace Region Approved for $1 million

PEACE RIVER REGIONAL DISTRICT, B.C. – Two cooperative associations in B.C.’s Peace Region have been approved for $1 million through the BC Hydro Peace Agricultural Compensation Fund’s (PACF) Agricultural Impact and Opportunities Initiative. The Fort St. John Seed Cleaning Cooperative Association and South Peace Grain Cleaning Cooperative Association will receive $746,000 and $254,000, respectively. The…

A New Hotline for Rural BC!

The BC Rural Centre has a new direct phone number to call when you need to talk to someone about Rural Issues, Challenges, Opportunities, and Inquiries. Over the past few months, the BC Rural Centre has been adjusting to a few key changes, new staff, including a new Executive Director and a revisit of the…

Rural Development Success Story

Originally Posted on: Nelson Chamber of Commerce Over the last five years, Canada has been a high-tech job creation machine. Year after year, the Toronto area alone has generated more technology jobs than San Francisco, Seattle or any other U.S. city. Vancouver has seen a similar economic boom. Both cities, with top universities and hospitals,…

Supporting Small Independent Businesses in BC

Support Local BC was an initiative brought on out of necessity in 2020 due to the closures of many businesses in response to the Provincial Health Orders to stop the rapid spread of COVID-19. The website provides a place for communities and businesses throughout the province to support each other. Connecting all regions with its…

Nuxalk Housing Solutions — Utilizing Community Assets

The Nuxalk Nation in Bella Coola has done some amazing work in their housing and social development sectors. They have come up with innovative solutions to issues that face many First Nations. This 2-part video series is intended to inspire other First Nations to adopt and adapt some of the Nuxalk Nation’s successful strategies.

Shifting Into (Electric) Gear

Steve Elder was born in New Zealand and lived there until he moved to sunny Los Angeles in the 1970s, eventually finding his way north to greater Vancouver, which he now calls home. However, summers spent vacationing at Christina Lake with his family is something that always brings back good memories for Steve. Perhaps that…

Rural Connectivity an Issue for Every Canadian

Cybera is an Alberta not-for-profit, technical agency that helps the province advance its IT frontiers. It operates through a strategic investment by its members and the Ministry of Alberta Economic Development and Trade. The following report by Meagan Hampel will be of interest for rural innovation advocates across the country. As part of our core mandate, Cybera…

Tech Jobs to Rural Places

Tech jobs — a path toward rural renewal? Nick Roseth explores this question in the following thoughtful TED talk.

Canal Flats Is Electric!

Canal Flats fell on hard times. When our communities’ circumstances change, we need to find new ways to prosper. Canal Flats was a lumber town; it’s primary employer was a sawmill. When that mill closed in November of 2015 it threw 75 people out of work and decimated the town’s economy. Many people, grown children,…