Community Economic Development Initiatives
Last updated on June 24, 2020Community economic development is a process of improving quality of life for the whole community. This section shares stories of community projects based on the needs of all people that are building economies and creating long-term jobs.
B.C. Brewers and Distillers Pivot Production to Support COVID-19 Response
As we know all too well, the COVID-19 pandemic has affected B.C.’s health system and economy since the declared State of Emergency, causing businesses throughout the province to look for creative ways to help out and stay open. Distilleries and breweries in B.C. have been able to reduce the shortage of personal protective supplies and disinfectants in the province by pivoting their business models to make hand sanitizers.
Growing Economic Opportunity with Native Plant Restoration – Moberly Lake
This joint venture between the West Moberly First Nations and Saulteau First Nations is creating employment and transforming the way industrial sites are restored, by tapping into traditional ecological knowledge.
Protecting Haida Values through Sustainable Forestry – Haida Gwaii
The Haida Nation is supporting the socioeconomic well-being of its citizens and protecting important ecosystems on Haida Gwaii through its nation-owned forestry company, Taan Forest.
Bringing a Local Harvest to an International Market – Klemtu
In B.C.'s remote Central Coast, the Kitasoo/Xai'xais Nation is supporting the local economy with its community-owned seafood company.
Regional Partnership Creates Value-Added Food Products and Local Jobs – Creston Valley
In its first year of operation, the Kootenay mobile fruit and vegetable press has produced a wide range of benefits for local farmers and the broader community. It has led to added-value agrifood opportunities for producers, created jobs, increased businesses’ viability, provided environmental benefits and an increase in food donations. With a clear vision to fulfil the agricultural potential of the Creston Valley, Fields Forward is taking one industrial juicer and making a big difference in the community.
Transforming a Mining Town into a Solar Energy Destination – Kimberley
SunMine is a community-owned one megawatt peak production solar facility constructed on reclaimed mine land in the City of Kimberley. The facility features 4,032 photovoltaic panels mounted on 96 solar trackers that track the sun in two dimensions and produces power for 200 to 300 homes. The power is sold to BC Hydro through a 25 year contract.
Community Collaboration Brings Back Health Care – Scotch Creek
The North Shuswap Health Centre Society, owns and operates the Health Centre located in Scotch Creek. The North Shuswap Health Centre Society wants to retire its mortgage, renovate and update the health clinic and entice healthcare providers to enjoy the lifestyle and provide services in their clinic.
Creating Jobs and New Revenue Streams with a Community Forest License – Barriere
The Lower North Thompson Community Forest Society (LNTCFS) is located in Barriere, B.C. and was created by volunteers in 2004 to pursue a Community Forest License for the Lower North Thompson Valley.
Protecting an Old-Growth Ecoforest through Community Organization – Cedar
In December 2016, the Ecoforestry Institute Society (EIS) celebrated its acquisition of Wildwood Ecoforest, saving it from a private sale and keeping it in the public domain. For three years, EIS partnered with citizens, advocacy groups and conservation agencies to raise legal and acquisition funds, promote public awareness and develop the legal instruments needed to protect Wildwood forever, ensuring its place as a unique demonstration ecoforest and learning centre.
Watch related BC Ideas Exchange webinars about Community Economic Development Initiatives.
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