Shuswap Indian Band and District of Invermere, BC

1. Joint Active Transportation Network Plan (JATNP) 

The Joint Active Transportation Network Plan (JATNP) was developed collaboratively by the partnership to improve connectivity, safety, and economic opportunities between the two communities. Despite challenges posed by COVID-19, the partnership demonstrated strong resilience by continuing monthly Working Group meetings and shifting engagement and planning activities online. Funding from the CEDI program and the Government of British Columbia enabled the partnership to retain Urban Systems to lead development of the plan. Community consultation was conducted through public surveys, virtual engagement sessions, and a socially distanced site visit of the proposed Columbia River crossing involving leadership and technical staff. 

The resulting plan prioritizes the development of a safe, all-season active transportation crossing over the Columbia River, connecting the two communities and their economic centres, while also considering future connections to regional trail systems. The partnership also coordinated joint communications, including shared messaging, media releases, and social media outreach, to ensure consistent engagement and transparency. Both Councils formally endorsed the JATNP in early 2021. 

Building on this momentum, the partnership has committed to further community engagement and advancing technical work, including environmental, geotechnical, and archaeological studies, as well as detailed design concepts and additional funding identification. The JATNP has also generated strong regional interest, with local and provincial stakeholders expressing support and identifying opportunities for collaboration during a regional engagement session at CEDI workshop 4. This initiative represents a significant step toward strengthening regional connectivity, supporting active transportation, and advancing shared economic and community development priorities. 

2. Joint Strategic Plan (2021-2025) 

To support long-term collaboration, the partnership developed a Joint Strategic Plan (2021–2025) to guide shared priorities and strengthen the relationship beyond individual projects. Designed collaboratively through Working Group discussions and facilitated sessions with Councils and senior staff, the Joint Strategic Plan identifies four key objectives:  

1. Strengthen long-term community-to-community relationship and formalize joint planning processes. 
2. Create a safe and accessible all-season active transportation crossing over the Columbia River and network connecting the SIB and DOI economic centres and communities. 
3. Explore jointly managing James Chabot Park, for it to be inclusive of regional cultures, prioritize environmental conservation and economic development, and to provide all-ages educational and recreational opportunities.  
4. Advance shared prosperity for both communities through open and frequent communication, identifying collaborative social and economic development initiatives, locally and regionally. 

The Joint Strategic Plan provides a structured framework for ongoing collaboration and ensures that partnership activities remain aligned with shared goals. Senior administrative staff from both communities will collaboratively manage implementation, while the Working Group will develop detailed work plans for each objective, including resource identification, communications strategies, and governance structures. 

Recognizing the importance of sustaining momentum beyond the CEDI program, the partnership also established a jointly funded Partnership Coordinator role to support implementation of the strategic plan and maintain collaboration. This position was developed collaboratively, with support for job design, funding arrangements, and onboarding. The Joint Strategic Plan positions the partnership for long-term success, providing a clear roadmap for strengthening relationships, advancing shared initiatives, and fostering sustainable economic and community development.