Roadmap to Resiliency: COEDC Strategy 2025-2030
Project Purpose
The Central Okanagan Economic Developments Commission’s (COEDC) Roadmap to Resiliency: COEDC Strategy 2025 to 2030, financially supported by CanExport Community Investments, supports a healthy business environment by providing a roadmap for economic resilience. The strategy is based on regional assets, existing economic development programs and comprehensive community engagement. This economic analysis established a regional vision that guided the renewed strategic direction.
The strategic directions for the Roadmap to Resiliency include:
- Drive Economic Resilience
- Build a Skilled Workforce
- Promote Innovation
- Grow Export-Focused Industries
Together, these pillars form the framework that define the COEDC’s actions in guiding the region through evolving economic landscapes.
Effectiveness / Meeting Objectives
Resiliency is embedded throughout the strategy and has already proven effective amid the current global trade war. To better respond to pressing economic challenges, certain action items have been fast-tracked, such as conducting a regional supply chain study to enhance export industry integration with the regional economy.
This approach has allowed for swift adaptation to market disruptions. By embedding strategic agility into our planning, we ensure that stakeholders are well-equipped to navigate trade fluctuations—demonstrating that the COEDC Roadmap to Resiliency is a malleable guide for sustainable growth in turbulent times.
Challenges & Changes
One challenge was maintaining a defined scope of the strategy. This focus was tested by external circumstances—our previous strategic plan was launched during the uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic, while our current initiative contends with global tariff disruptions.
To address this, we established clear guidelines and review processes that aligned every contribution with our project goals. This ensured that the final product remained impactful and firmly anchored in its intended purpose.
Target Audience (demographics)
The COEDC is a regional service of the Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO), so in addition to internal staff, the audience encompasses elected officials from the RDCO member municipalities, as well as representatives from business support groups, post-secondary institutions, local business leaders, and industry experts.
To date the strategy has been presented to councils, boards and staff members of all the member municipalities.
Sustainability
The Roadmap to Resiliency has been developed in alignment with the projected resources outlined in COEDC’s 5-year financial plan, in addition to anticipated grant and partnership funding opportunities. The scope of these initiatives will be adjusted based on regional needs and COEDC resources.
The COEDC is committed to reconciliation. The strategic planning process for the COEDC and Westbank First Nation EDC occurred at the same time, so to enhance representation and collaboration, information was shared between WFN and the COEDC throughout the development of the strategy. The COEDC also engaged with WFN Council, WFN EDC, and WFN Spring Salmon Committee through various sessions so that reconciliation remained a core element woven throughout the Roadmap to Resiliency.
Note: Roadmap to Resilience COEDC 2025 to 2030 Strategy was too large to attach to application. The overview of the strategy has been attached and the full strategy can be accessed here.
