Announcement of Revenue-Community Projects Supported

Hello Chamber Members,

We are excited to announce the revenue of $10,000 from our 2^nd Annual Stronger Together Golf Tournament 2025 has now been allocated to three different projects directly impacting our North Shuswap Community.

North Shuswap Elementary $2000-Providing support directly to the local students of North Shuswap Elementary to experience or provide something they normally wouldn’t have, is especially important to us.  This year working with Principal Duncan Hazlewood the decision was made to contribute funds for the Fitset Ninja Mobile Obstacle Course to be brought to the school on June 22, 2026

Community Multi Use Building Feasibility Study and Pre-Design Proposal $5000

The North Shuswap Chamber of Commerce currently collaborates with 27 non-profit organizations across the region and facilitates bi-monthly roundtable meetings to identify shared priorities and emerging needs. Over the past year, a consistent and pressing gap has been identified: the lack of accessible, flexible space for community services and programming. Specific needs have been expressed by key groups including the North Shuswap Food Program and the North Shuswap Historical Society, while organizations such as Shuswap Better at Home and the Ministry of Social Development have indicated interest in utilizing shared space for client meetings and service delivery. Ongoing engagement has also identified other potential partners who may contribute to the long-term sustainability of the building; these opportunities will be further explored through the feasibility study.

Through Board-level discussions focused on economic recovery, the Chamber has identified community infrastructure as the most critical investment for long-term resilience. The development of a multi-use community space has emerged as a key priority to support economic development, service delivery, and social connection in the North Shuswap. By providing a central hub for programming, meetings, and collaboration, the facility will enable local organizations and entrepreneurs to expand services, host events, and deliver programs that attract residents and visitors year-round. This increased activity is expected to generate incremental local spending, support small business growth, and create opportunities for partnerships, training, and workforce development. Additionally, access to shared space reduces operational barriers for non-profits and service providers, allowing them to reinvest resources directly into community impact.

To advance this initiative, the Chamber is seeking to complete a feasibility study and pre-design work that will assess site options, building requirements, operational models, and partnership opportunities. This proactive approach will position the organization to respond effectively should a lease opportunity with the Columbia Shuswap Regional District arise, demonstrating both readiness and responsible long-term planning.

In addition to the needs identified through stakeholder engagement, the project has received strong support through numerous Letters of Support from non-profit organizations and regional economic development partners, underscoring broad community alignment and the collaborative foundation of this initiative.

We have allocated $5000 for contributing funds towards a CSRD Grant in Aid application

for remaining funds to have the Feasibility Study and Pre-Design completed for a Community Use Building. Other contributing funds to help with this expense are from North Shuswap Food Program, North Shuswap Historical Society, North Shuswap Childcare Society and the North Shuswap Lions

North Shuswap Destination Trail Framework-Phased Approach  $3000

The North Shuswap Destination Trail Framework, developed in partnership with the Shuswap Trail Alliance, will create a clear, community-driven roadmap to guide sustainable trail development across our region. Building on local knowledge and priorities, the framework will identify and map priority trail connections, outline phased development and maintenance plans, and support the establishment of a North Shuswap working group to bring together community organizations, Indigenous partners, and local government. This coordinated approach will strengthen our ability to secure external funding through provincial and federal programs while directly supporting wildfire recovery by encouraging year-round visitation and longer stays. Measurable outcomes will include completion of a prioritized trail development plan, formation of an active multi-stakeholder working group, identification of shovel-ready projects for future investment, and increased capacity to attract funding and support local business growth. The framework will also advance respectful collaboration with all community partners and user groups to  ensure development reflects shared values and long-term stewardship. Overall, this work will help position the North Shuswap as a resilient, connected, and welcoming destination for both residents and visitors.

We have allocated $3000 for contributing funds for a CSRD Grant in Aid application to begin the North Shuswap Trail Framework. We have also applied for additional funding from ETSI-BC and will know if June if this application is successful.

With many thanks to you for supporting our Stronger Together Golf Tournament in 2025. We could not have moved forward on any of these important community projects without you!

If you are interested in being involved in the 3^rd Annual Stronger Together Golf Tournament on Sept 12, 2026, whether as a volunteer, purchasing tickets for golf & dinner, donating a silent auction item or sponsoring a hole, we would love to hear from you. We will once again be using any funds raised back to the community in a project directly helping our local students and continuing to more the Community Multi Use Building and the North Shuswap Trail Framework and the identified priorities that come from this.