The Salmon Arm Observer is looking to hear more from our community members and is interested in finding out what they love about Salmon Arm and the Shuswap.
We are profiling different residents for our community section, by asking them to answer a list of questions about Salmon Arm and the Shuswap and why they think it is so great.
This week we are profiling Karen Bissenden, a Salmon Arm resident for over 20 years.
Bissenden works with seniors in her community with her business In Your Home Compassionate Companion Care. She has two children, volunteers with local groups and says she is lucky to have such great neighbours in her community.
Find out what Bissenden thinks about her community in the Shuswap.
When someone says ‘the Shuswap’ what’s the first thing that comes to mind?
Involved. Artistic. Alive. Green.
We have water and mountains all around us. It’s a community that’s enthusiastically involved in arts, sports, politics, environment, and socially important issues. There’s no shortage of activities for our over 55 demographic. Volunteers have built ski, snowshoe, mountain and waterfront trails. (Grebes, my favourite bird.) The theatre, the art gallery, the Roots and Blues, the Writers’ Festival, and more, all have excellent reputations. People of world renown chose Salmon Arm. Who wouldn’t want to live here? For those who need it, food banks work fiercely to provide that help.
If you could change or improve one thing about your community what would it be?
Better public transit and more bike lanes.
What’s your favourite local company?
Askew’s
What are the top three places you would recommend that tourists visit when they are in Salmon Arm?
- The waterfront trail
- In winter, Larch Hills, in summer, Margaret Falls
- Haney House, particularly during their theatre run
What do you see for the community in 20 years?
- Better land use/local food production
- Increased affordable (possibly co-operative) housing for seniors, young families and low income
- Low footprint employment opportunities, like technology
- High density living in downtown region
- Increased population, with greater cultural diversity
- More First Nations leadership
- More energy efficient vehicles and structures
- Less housing on the waterfront
- More tourism
- Likely more fires and floods
- Fewer big box stores
- Fewer churches
- More motor restrictions on our lakes.
We are looking to profile as many community members as possible. If you would like to be profiled or if you would like to nominate someone please click on this link and fill out the questionnaire.
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