Community Multi Use Building

Back in April 2026 we announced we were allocating $5000 from our 2^nd Annual Stronger Together Golf Tournament revenue towards the Feasibility Study and Pre-Design Proposal for a Community Multi Use Building. Along with the contributing funds from local Non-Profit groups and a successful application to the CSRD Grant in Aid Fund, we have secured enough funds for this project to move forward. We have engaged Sarah Sinclair-BC Rural Centre to complete the Feasibility Study which is currently underway.

Sarah Sinclair is the Executive Director of the BC Rural Centre and a recognized leader in rural community development, economic development, and strategic planning across British Columbia. She is passionate about helping rural communities build resilient, sustainable futures through evidence-based research, meaningful community engagement, and practical, community-driven solutions. Sarah has extensive experience working with local governments, First Nations, chambers of commerce, non-profit organizations, and community partners to identify opportunities, build capacity, and advance initiatives that create lasting economic and social benefits.

Sarah's expertise includes facilitating community engagement, conducting rural research, strategic planning, asset-based community development, organizational development, and feasibility assessments. She has successfully led initiatives that help communities identify priorities, evaluate project viability, and develop implementation strategies grounded in local needs and opportunities.

Sarah is exceptionally well qualified to lead the feasibility study for the North Shuswap Community Multi-Use Building. She understands the unique opportunities and challenges facing rural communities and has already developed a strong understanding of the North Shuswap through her facilitation of the First Impressions Program and ongoing work with communities throughout the region. Her collaborative approach ensures that all stakeholders are engaged, diverse perspectives are considered, and recommendations are both practical and achievable.

Her experience in community economic development, research, stakeholder engagement, and project planning makes her an ideal choice to deliver a comprehensive feasibility study that will provide a clear roadmap for decision-makers and support future funding and implementation opportunities.

Community Engagement Sessions were held with Stakeholders on July 8^th, 2026 and another open to whole community on July 30, 2026 at the North Shuswap Community Hall.

The purpose of the Community Engagement sessions were to share ideas and help shape the vision for what a community‑owned multi‑use building might look like for success. We’re gathering input on priorities for things such as a food hub (Zest satellite), makerspace, seniors programming, practitioner/wellness space, storage needs, hours of operation, and governance/operations options.  We want your ideas. What needs do you see unmet in your community that a community-led multi-use building might solve?

Complete the Survey:  

Have your say in the possibility of a new Community-Owned, Multi-Use Building in the North Shuswap?  Your voice is the most important part of this process. Whether you’re a long-time resident or new to the area, we want to hear from you.

Please take a few minutes to share your feedback before the survey closes on September 10th. Every response helps ensure the final plan reflects the true priorities of the North Shuswap.

Take the survey here: https://bcruralcentre.org/multi-use-building-north-shuswap/

We look forward to your input, help shape a community-hub that serves everyone in the North Shuswap

Questions: please email Debbie Seymour, North Shuswap Chamber Executive Director executivedirector@northshuswapbc.com or BC Rural Centre, Executive Director and Feasibility Study lead, Sarah Sinclair sarah@bcruralcentre.org for project questions or comments.