Western Economic Diversification Canada
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Western Economic Diversification Canada invests in sustainable business opportunities across British Columbia
In the last six months, Western Economic Diversification Canada, through its network of Community Futures Development Corporations, has invested over $460,000 in B.C.'s rural communities. Seventeen projects aimed at increasing the amount of sustainable business opportunities in the communities were funded.
The remarkable success of the Community Futures program is rooted in the dedication of volunteers and staff who work directly with local residents, businesses, and organizations to determine community needs and priorities," said the Honourable Stephen Owen, Minister of Western Economic Diversification and Minister of State (Sport). "The work of Community Futures reflects Western Economic Diversification Canada's commitment to creating new economic opportunities throughout British Columbia."
In partnership with Western Economic Diversification Canada, the Community Futures Development Corporations throughout rural B.C. help create opportunities in entrepreneurship and sustainable development.
The extraordinary impact of Community Futures' diverse initiatives, opportunities, and business services is evident," said Ken White, Chair of the Community Futures Development Association of B.C. "We are committed to continuing our goal of delivering distinct capacity building and community economic development programs to our clients."
Established in 1992, the Community Futures Development Association of B.C. represents 33 individual Community Futures Development Corporations located throughout rural British Columbia. The organizations foster local entrepreneurship, as well as promote, coordinate and implement a variety of economic development initiatives for their respective communities. They offer a variety of entrepreneurial programs, business counseling, loan programs and business information to people interested in expanding or starting their own businesses.
Western Economic Diversification Canada is the federal department mandated to support economic diversification in communities across Western Canada through activities that advance Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Sustainable Communities. Funding for these projects was provided for in the March 2004 federal budget.
For additional information, contact:
Susan Schooley
Communications Manager
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Phone: (604) 666-1318
Renee Gillen
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Phone: (613) 954-1110
Ken White
Chair
Community Futures Development Association of B.C.
Phone: 1-866-685-2332
Web Site: http://www.communityfutures.ca/
WD Toll-Free Number:1-888-338-WEST (9378)
Teletypewriter (TTY): 1-877-303-3388
WD Website: www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
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Backgrounder
Western Economic Diversification Canada Invests in Sustainable Business Opportunities Across British Columbia
For more information on any of these projects, contact the Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC) involved, or call 1-866-685-2332.
Kootenays
Community Futures Development Corporation of Greater Trail
Entrepreneurship Development for New Canadians
An "Integrated Immigration and Bridging Strategy" is being implemented to recruit and retain immigrant-business entrepreneurs and their skilled workers. The initiative will focus on job creation, capital investment and rural economic development.
Community Futures Development Corporation of Revelstoke
Event Management Training to Promote the Community
Revelstoke will strengthen its capacity to organize successful and worthwhile events. The project involves assistance on marketing campaigns for new and existing events, as well as for event planning and volunteer training and recruitment.
Community Futures Development Corporation of the Southeast Region of B.C.
A Regional Science and Innovation Council
The South East Region's Community Future Development Corporation is helping establish a Regional Science and Innovation Council. The Council will work towards identifying and implementing innovation opportunities in the southeast region of the province.
Community Futures Development Corporation of Boundary Area
An Economic Strategy to Enhance Leadership
The project involves developing an economic strategy to strengthen the capabilities and leadership skills of community decision makers in the Boundary area.
Lower Mainland Fraser Valley
Community Futures Development Corporation of Sto:lo
Exploring Alternative Energy Options
A study is being conducted to explore the community's potential for incorporating alternative energy options into its district energy system. The study will evaluate a variety of regional alternative energy sources for both the Coqualeetza property in Chilliwack and the St. Mary's property in Mission, both owned by Sto:lo Nation.
Okanagan Valley
Community Futures Development Corporation of Okanagan Similkameen
Improvements for Employees in the Agriculture Industry
The town of Oliver is installing electric service equipment for the town's Agricultural Workers Camp. The installation of power will allow the town to provide the workers with hot showers. Seasonal workers are an important element of the south Okanagan's labour force and contribute significantly to the area's agricultural industry.
Community Futures Development Corporation of Shuswap
Developing Value-Added Wood Products
A feasibility study is underway to advance the viability of the Adam's Lake Indian Band's Aldco Wood Products. To address the economic impact of softwood lumber tariffs, the Band will analyze the wood produced by the mill and determine how it can be manufactured without acquiring additional tariffs when crossing the border.
The North East
Community Futures Development Corporation of Cariboo-Chilcotin
A Central Coast Region Economic Plan
The Central Coast Economic Development Commission, the Nuxalk First Nation and the Central Coast Regional District are working in partnership to create a three-year economic development plan for the Central Coast Region. The plan will consist of a literature review and community consultations with stakeholders from tourism, forestry, agriculture and other economic sectors to identify strategies for strong regional growth.
Community Futures Development Corporation of Cariboo-Chilcotin
Business Planning for Resource-based Communities
The Community Futures Development Corporation of Cariboo-Chilcotin will work with the Cariboo small-scale harvesters association to develop a comprehensive business plan. The plan will help the association strengthen its capabilities, build membership, facilitate joint ventures with industry, and gain access to provincial salvage licenses. This project will support the long-term viability of resource-based communities by increasing salvage opportunities for small-scale harvesters in the Cariboo region.
Community Futures Development Corporation of Cariboo-Chilcotin
Cedar Point Park Museum Restoration
The Cedar Point Park Museum, which is an important landmark in the Cariboo-Chilcotin's mining history, is being restored. The restoration of the museum will serve to increase the visitation period of local tourists and establish a location to display First Nations cultural artifacts and historical items from the Cariboo Gold Rush.
Community Futures Development Corporation of North Cariboo
Online Community Website for Local Organizations
An online tool for community economic development organizations to manage and share information is being launched. It will also be used to promote local organizations such as chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, schools, and museum and arts associations.
Community Futures Development Corporation of Fraser Fort George Strengthening the Value-Added Wood Manufacturing Industry
To create new business opportunities in the Prince George region, the community is developing a transition strategy to adjust the operational model of WoodTEK, a business incubator for the value-added wood manufacturing industry.
Community Futures Development Corporation of Fraser Fort George Aboriginal Youth Entrepreneurship Camp
The second annual Aboriginal Youth Entrepreneurship Camp (AYEC) in Fort St. James teaches Aboriginal youth about entrepreneurship in a fun and interactive environment. Young entrepreneurs are seen as a critical component in building strong economies in Aboriginal communities.
Community Futures Development Corporation of Nadina
Energy Centre of the North
The establishment of an Energy Centre of the North is underway to showcase renewable energy technologies related to conservation, efficiency and generation. Support will be provided for concept development; organizational structure; and the evaluation of prospective sites in consultation with communities and prospective business partners.
Thompson Country/Central Interior
Community Futures Development Corporation of Central First Nations Market Research for Value-Added Wood Manufacturing
Community Futures will conduct a market research project for value-added wood manufacturing. The findings will be presented at community forums to promote forest resource entrepreneurial opportunities.
Vancouver Island
Community Futures Development Corporation Cowichan Kinsol Rail Trestle Restoration
The funding will be used to compete a business plan and fundraising strategy toward restoration of the historic Kinsol rail trestle spanning the Koksilah River in the Cowichan Valley.
Community Futures Development Corporation Strathcona Biomass Energy Demonstration Project
Community Futures has undertaken a demonstration project that involves purchasing and operating a biomass heater for a land-based Comox Valley fish farm. The new heater will remove demand from the community's electrical grid and the heated water and fish waste will be used in an adjacent demonstration greenhouse in partnership with the local Community College. This project will utilize otherwise wasted biomass fuels and simultaneously support new business opportunities in the Strathcona Valley.
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