What's Happening?
The Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) board has decided that rural Shuswap electoral areas will independently manage their tourism promotion efforts. This decision follows the withdrawal of the City
of Salmon Arm and the District of Sicamous from the Shuswap Tourism service. The board has approved the development of promotional materials for the 2026 tourism season. Consultant Jamie McEwan recommended pausing further economic development deliberations until after the 2026 election to depoliticize the process and achieve consensus among stakeholders.
Why It's Important?
This move reflects a shift towards localized control over tourism initiatives, which could lead to more tailored and effective marketing strategies for the rural Shuswap areas. The decision highlights the challenges of regional cooperation in tourism and economic development, especially when key players withdraw. The outcome could influence future governance models for regional tourism, potentially encouraging other areas to seek greater autonomy in managing their economic development strategies.
What's Next?
The CSRD board will proceed with issuing a request for proposal for the development of a tourism master plan. This plan will include identifying potential funding sources beyond taxation. The board will also address the need to adjust bylaws to reflect the new structure of tourism promotion, ensuring that the rural Shuswap areas can effectively market themselves for the upcoming tourism season.
