Sharon Butler

The Village of Slocan is on the cusp of an eco-tourism boom

Once focused on forestry, Slocan is now evolving into an eco-tourism hot spot

by Danielle Cameron, Kootenay Business Magazine March, 2017

The Village of Slocan is a jovial community of about 350 people, located at the southern end of Slocan Lake in southeastern B.C. Forestry was once a main industry here, but the village had a change in focus after the 2011 closure of the the Springer Creek Forest Products mill. There was a shift toward eco-tourism, bringing with it an array of new residents and entrepreneurs who recognize the potential of this hidden gem.

Slocan was chosen recently by the Provincial Government, as a candidate for the Job Creation Partnership (JCP) program. With the help of funding from the Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation͛s Community and Employer Partnership fund, the village will have four lucky participants selected for the JCP initiative. The project will enhance the waterfront and campground in Slocan, and give the workers 27 weeks of construction experience to add to their résumés.

We reached out to the community, asking for local business people to give their two cents. The response was overwhelmingly positive. Here are just a few of the many great things they had to say about living and working in Slocan:

“I think what attracts people here is the beauty of the scenery, the clean water, and the friendly people. Hiking, swimming, boating, cycling, enjoying the great outdoors; we have it all! The longer I live here the more I notice how many tourists have discovered our area and many of them keep coming back year after year. It seems more young families are moving here. I am excited about our future. There is a demand for services which I feel could be taken advantage of by the right entrepreneurs. I am happy to report that a seniors housing development is in the works and individuals are working hard to come up with a plan to develop the waterfront. The Columbia Basin Trust has invested in our community. The future looks bright!”

- Nina Knott, owner/manager, Slocan Village Market

“The Village of Slocan has decided to switch from a mostly resource-based economy, towards tourism and other sustainable business models. Tourism and eco-tourism will continue to increase. The trend of locally produced, organic vegetables, fruits, eggs, dairy and meat products will impact our local economy in a very positive way. I am delighted to see so many new young farmers taking over sedentary farm lands. Wow. They are creating a new Family farm vision of pure, organic and sustainable food growing. They are producing products for our local groceries, farmers markets and exports. The big demand is there and they are working hard to meet this demand. Everything from organic chickens, to speciality herbs, bedding plants, food products, to locally distilled gin. The rest of the world is watching their determination and successes. Average Canadian consumers are willing to pay more for organic food products now, than in the past. I believe our quality processed food exports will increase, such as organic salsa, jams, cheese, etc.

- Pam Sims and David Liske, owners of Paradise Valley Lodge in Winlaw

“Slocan is a vibrant community, with Many social events sponsored by the Slocan Valley Legion Branch 276, the WE Graham Community Services Society, WE Graham School Pac , Spirit of Slocan Group and others. We have a fantastic fitness center, community library and doctors offices at the refurbished old schoolhouse located in what is becoming our town square. Since the closure of the mill, the town seems to be growing, we have had some young families as well retired folks move into town in the last couple years. There is a 12-unit seniors housing that will be breaking ground this spring (located behind the health and wellness centre). We think that this a great time for entrepreneurs as Slocan is just on the cusp of tourism (success), which spreads into other business opportunities. With housing being comparatively low-priced for our area, it is becoming popular for commuters from Nelson and Castlegar, as well for retirees. I see nothing but continuing growth for Slocan in the future. At this time we have a proactive council that has growth and stability at the forefront on its agenda, with all the community groups on the same page.”

- Pat and Peggy Ashton, owners of Mountain Valley Station in Slocan

“Our Hike or Bike for Housing last fall included 90 hikers and bikers on 45 kilometres of the Slocan Valley Rail Trail, winding up in Slocan and raising $45,000 toward 12 units of seniors' housing in the middle of the village. The hike's success demonstrates strong support for the project in Slocan, and indicates how many active seniors use the rail trail. With the wellness centre and the beautiful library adjacent to the upcoming housing project; with the Legion - a real social centre for the entire community - nearby; the beach and lakefront, the restaurants, the historical society, and a village council and residents who truly embrace the transition underway....well...we're incredibly lucky and excited to be working in such a positive atmosphere. Not only is it a good environment for seniors, but young families are also able to afford homes. Housing and finding a secure home is such an issue for all ages. We can say with certainty that Slocan is a wonderful place to call home.”

- Rita Moir, president of the Slocan Valley Seniors' Housing Society

“The Slocan area is a great place to live, because you have nature to explore right at your doorstep. Slocan is literally surrounded by provincial parks. Despite the isolated location, there are a lot of services and support available, with a great sense of community. The cost of living and sense of freedom makes Slocan attractive to entrepreneurs. Also, having Nelson and Castlegar close by allows people to still go out for a night in "the city" from time to time. Hopefully someone will be able to take over the old mill site and make something great, such as an eco-tourism destination. That said, in the last few years, we have seen more and more work-from-home entrepreneurs making the move out to the valley, since they can live anywhere and would be hard pressed to find a place as naturally beautiful, but still connected to the real world.”

- Bradley Higham, CEO of Collabo Consulting Inc.

“Many people migrate to the Slocan Valley not only for the pristine surroundings and recreation, but to dwell within and be a part of the small-town community vibe it offers. The Kootenays offer such a diverse way of living, that is unlike anything that could be presented in a larger town/city. (The Village of) Slocan is a town in transition and has been on the edge of a boom. These traits are attractive to entrepreneurs. We are most definitely seeing growth and attraction to our community – there is a high demand for rentals and many families with small children are becoming residents. This is a great economic booster and benefits the town by increasing the population, offering commerce at local businesses, and increasing enrollment at our community school.”

- Michelle Gordon, chief administrative officer, Village of Slocan

“Slocan is an excellent example of a small community transitioning from primary industry into a more diversified economy.”

- Jessica Lunn, Mayor of the Village of Slocan

by Sharon Butler

Community Paramedicine coming this spring and fall

by Jan McMurray, Valley Voice newspaper

Community paramedicine is
rolling out in Kaslo, New Denver and
Winlaw this spring, and in Nakusp and
Edgewood this fall.
This new healthcare profession
allows paramedics to work in
expanded roles, providing healthcare
services to underserved communities.
“Community paramedicine brings
improved patient care and more career
opportunities to rural and remote
areas,” said Bronwyn Barter, president,
Ambulance Paramedics of BC.
Community paramedics in Kaslo,
Winlaw and New Denver have been
hired and are going through their
14-week orientation process now.
They are expected to start work in the
communities in May.
Positions in Edgewood and Nakusp
will be posted this month. Orientation
for those new hires will begin in July,
with their expected start date in the
communities in October.
Kaslo and Nakusp will each have
two community paramedics working
two days a week each, for a total of
four days a week. Winlaw, New Denver
and Edgewood will each have one
community paramedic, working two
days a week.
Karen Reader, Regional Training
Officer for community paramedics in
the Interior, explained that community
paramedics have four broad areas of
responsibility: community outreach
and awareness; health promotion,
including providing CPR and AED
Community paramedicine coming this spring and fall
training as required; assisting other
health professionals at wellness clinics;
and wellness checks in homes as
referred by the health care team. “They
will work with the health care team
in their communities to determine
what is needed within those four
responsibilities,” said Reader.
The health care team includes all
health professionals in a community,
so depending on the community
could include the local physicians,
community nurses, nurse practitioners,
public health nurses, physiotherapists,
occupational therapists, pharmacists,
etc.
“As we launch in each community,
we sit with the health authority and
discuss what’s in place, and what they
perceive the needs to be, and where we
can fit in,” said Reader. “We don’t want
to overlap services – we’re trying to fill
existing needs as opposed to stepping in
where there is already service in place.”
Community paramedics will have
office space in the local ambulance
station and will report to the unit
chief and dispatch centre. They are
employees of BC Ambulance Service,
but Reader says the program is a joint
effort between Interior Health and BC
Emergency Health Services.
“It’s a very exciting project,” she
said. “It’s been very well received and
successful so far.”
Community paramedics are
already in place in Creston, Princeton,
Tofino, Ucuelet and Northern BC.

by Sharon Butler

Slocan Valley Economic Development Strategy process well underway

by Jan McMurray, Valley Voice Newspaper

The Slocan Valley will have an economic development strategy by the end of April. Consultants Dale Wheeldon and Colleen Bond were in the valley the week of February 20 to gather public input for the strategy. They conducted three public meetings (in Silverton, Passmore and Slocan) and met with a wide range of stakeholders, including representatives from arts and culture, youth, business (including home-based and farmers), Chamber of Commerce, the Economic Development Commission, local investment and funding organizations, Slocan Valley Senior’s Housing Society, Community Futures, WorkBC, Arrow & Slocan Lakes Community Services, WE Graham Community Services, environmental stewardship groups, heritage groups, trails groups, etc.

They also met with the project steering committee, which is made up of senior staff and one elected official from each local government in the valley (Villages of New Denver, Silverton, Slocan and Area H). An online survey was available for residents to complete, as well.

All of the input gathered at these meetings, the survey results, and the consultants’ review of previous economic development studies in the valley will inform the economic development strategy. Wheeldon said the strategy will cover the entire valley but may include some community-specific recommendations. He also said that the strategy will contain only achievable, realistic goals.

Who will be responsible for the implementation of the strategy?
Wheeldon and Bond will be recommending an organizational structure toward the end of March to help answer this question. The four organizational models they presented were an economic development department of a local government, an economic development committee, an economic development corporation (often owned by the local government),or a service contract between the local governments and an organization such as a Chamber of Commerce or Community Futures.

At the public meetings, Wheeldon gave a presentation that included a short video about the town of Warner, Alberta, where they started a hockey school to recruit youth and save their public school. “I like to play that video because economic development doesn’t have to be the big things,” Wheeldon said in Silverton. “Look at your community assets and see how your community can be sustainable.” Economic development doesn’t have a set definition, Wheeldon said. “It has to be defined by the community, and every community is unique in how they define it.” However economic development is defined, Wheeldon said some of the results of healthy economies are an increased tax base, improved local infrastructure, job creation, business retention and expansion, diversification, self sufficiency, productive use of property, and a better quality of life.

Wheeldon also provided a list of the top trends in economic development today. The first one was economic development marketing. “You need a good website,” he said. “You need to tell your community story, and a website does that.” He added that the Imagine Kootenay website is the best one he has ever seen.

The second top trend was business retention and expansion (BR&E). “You have to keep what you have. You have to work with your businesses and keep them here.” Wheeldon described BR&E as “the number one priority for economic development in North America.” Other trends included focusing on smaller wins, sector development (i.e. heritage, tourism), a resident attraction program, communications (so that
everyone is working together and your needs are being communicated), entrepreneurship (keeping youth in the community), regional partnerships, and tourism (particularly as a way to attract new residents).

People in attendance at the meetings were invited to write down their answers to questions at three stations around the room, and to show support for other people’s answers with stickers. Questions were about the strengths and challenges of the region, potential new opportunities, quality of life, enhancing opportunities for agriculture and tourism, and ways to support existing businesses and new entrepreneurs.

The Slocan Valley Economic Development Strategy planning phase is being funded by the provincial Rural Dividend program. At the Silverton meeting, Richard Toperczer of the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism, Skills Training and Responsible for Labour explained that he started the discussion about economic development with Slocan Valley local governments about a year ago. The local governments agreed to work together on a strategy, and to apply to the Rural Dividend program to hire a consultant and a ‘community liaison,’ a local person to assist in the process. Rebecca Sargeant and Jessica Rayner of New Denver are sharing the part-time community liaison position. Dale Wheeldon and Colleen Bond of Economic Development Community Development Consulting were hired to lead the process.

by Sharon Butler

Rural Development Institute- March 2016 newsletter

Sneak a Peak at the New State of the Basin 2016!

Are Columbia Basin-Boundary communities growing or shrinking?
What sectors are people working in? How do our wages compare to other places?
What are the trends in student enrollment and high school completion?
Has traffic increased in the region?
How much is being invested into major infrastructure projects?
What are the main causes behind human – bear conflicts?
How generous are people with volunteering their time and their dollars?
How do residents feel about living in the region?

These questions and more are commonly asked by our region’s residents, organizations, and local governments. For example, the region as a whole is projected to grow in population over the next 20 years, but the distribution of the population is uneven - while some areas will grow, others will shrink. With many data sets available, and information presented at different scales, finding straightforward and accessible answers can be a challenge.

The goal of the State of the Basin is to monitor and report on information relating to well-being in the Columbia Basin-Boundary region. This year the State of the Basin got a facelift, with some exciting changes and additions. Today the Rural Development Institute (RDI) is rolling out the first products from the 2016 State of the Basin. You are invited to be among the first to see the finished products!

"The mandate of the RDI is to support evidence-based decision-making in our region," says Dr. Terri MacDonald, Regional Innovation Chair at Selkirk College's Columbia Basin Rural Development Institute. "The State of the Basin initiative is one of the primary ways we aim to advance this mandate."

Ten ‘Trends Analysis’ Briefs take almost 100 different indicators of well-being and group them by theme. Look for your area(s) of interest and you’ll find a summary and details of all the indicators related to that theme:
Economy
Workforce
Basic Services
Tourism
Agriculture
Demographics
Community & Society
Education & Learning
Poverty
Environment

The Trends Analysis Briefs will be complemented by an overarching ‘Snapshot’ report and a compiled ‘Long Report’ that includes all the indicators. Check the website for new reports as they emerge: http://www.cbrdi.ca/state-of-the-basin/.

It would be impossible to fit all the information into these reports. Because of this we often report indicators at a regional or sub-regional scale. If you are interested in what data and information is available specific to your community check out the announcement about the new Community Data Program. You can also always contact us with questions.

References and Resources
State of the Basin: http://www.cbrdi.ca/state-of-the-basin/
Community Data Program Overview: http://www.cbrdi.ca/news/data-and-decision-making-new-resource-for-columbia-basin-boundary-communities/
Teck Serv Internship Grant: http://selkirk.ca/about-us/research/teckserv-applied-research-internship
Different By Design Conference: http://kootenays2017.crrf.ca/
Rural Routes Podcast: http://ruralroutespodcasts.com/
This article is a product of the Columbia Basin Rural Development Institute, at Selkirk College. We are a regional research centre with a mandate to support informed decision-making by Columbia Basin-Boundary communities through the provision of information, applied research and related outreach and extension support. Visit www.cbrdi.ca for more information.

CENSUS DATA RELEASE
Apply for funding to hire a Selkirk College summer student research intern. Deadline is March 24, 2017. Learn more about the Teck Serv research grant.

Registration is now open for the Different By Design conference coming to Nelson this fall! Register early to reserve your spot and take advantage of early bird discounts.
HAVE YOU HEARD?
Interested in health care? The newest Rural Routes Podcast features Dr. Lars Hallstom in a discussion about the social and economic factors that influence human health, and the role living in rural places can play in our health. This is the first of several Rural Routes podcasts tackling health and wellbeing.

RDI Focus is a monthly e-blast highlighting stories of well-being in our region.

by Sharon Butler