The Columbia Shuswap Regional District will receive $32,000 from the B.C. government to create an economic development strategic plan for Shuswap communities.
CSRD chief administrative officer Charles Hamilton explained the grant funding, made available through the province's Rural Dividend program, was applied for by Shuswap Economic Development. This CSRD body represents the District of Sicamous and Electoral Areas C (South Shuswap), D (Falkland/Ranchero/Salmon Valley/Silver Creek and Gardom Lake), E (Rural Sicamous-Malakwa) and F (North Shuswap).
Hamilton said the plan would provide a guideline for economic activities and programs, creating general objectives and strategies while providing some clear direction relevant to economic development activities.
Shuswap MLA Greg Kyllo made the funding announcement Thursday afternoon, Oct. 6.
“We should always be on the lookout for long-term economic opportunities,” said Kyllo. “The Columbia Shuswap Regional District is to be congratulated for launching this initiative."
The CSRD’s was one of 73 successful applications to the Rural Dividend program, a three-year, $75 million initiative to assist rural communities with populations of 25,000 or less to reinvigorate and diversify their local economies.
“ It was developed to recognize both the contribution rural communities have made to B.C.’s economy, and the unique challenges they face to diversify beyond natural resources,” states the B.C. governments related website.