Economic Development & Initiatives
Northern Economic Development Committee
Working toward equitable and sustainable economic development.
Established in June, 2013 by the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD), the Northern Economic Development and Initiatives (NEDI) Committee aims to foster balanced, equitable and sustainable development in the region.
In 2012, the District commissioned a report identifying priorities for economic development in the region, the Economic Development Assessment, Strategy and Action Plan. This report was then updated by Cadence Strategies in 2018.
The updated report identified several priority goals for economic development, including: increasing community involvement and communication, strenghtening and expanding partnerships between communities, and increasing support for the tourism and agricultural sectors.
The Committee's ongoing task has been to prioritize these recommendations and provide guidance on strategies for sustainable sub-regional development.
SLRD Economic Development
Straddling the southern Pacific Ranges of the Coast Mountains and encompassing 16,500 square kilometers of land, the SLRD features some of the province’s most spectacular forests, glaciers, rivers and lakes as well as an abundance of fertile agricultural land. From the historic mining town of Bralorne (Area A), to the sprawling ranch lands of West Pavilion (Area B), to the international resort destination of Whistler, the character and opportunities of the many communities within the region are as diverse as its striking topography.
While the southern SLRD is already well-known for its outdoor recreation, tourism is emerging as an important economic driver in the northern region as well. With its rugged terrain, rich cultural heritage, incredible climate, friendly small-town atmosphere and proximity to the Lower Mainland, the northern SLRD is poised to become a “must-do” for regional and destination visitors alike.
In addition to tourism, opportunities abound in agriculture, both in the Pemberton and Squamish valleys in the south and in the Lillooet area to the north. The Lillooet region has a long history of cattle ranching, farming and fruit production. Recent ventures into hops, grape-growing, wine-making and value-added processing are fueling excitement about the area’s agricultural potential.
Construction, forestry, renewable energy and mining add to the diverse mix of economic opportunities.
The SLRD strives to support the well-being of our residents and visitors, protect the region’s natural environment and beauty, enhance the region’s world-class outdoor recreation, and foster balanced, equitable and sustainable economic development. Building effective partnerships with regional stakeholders is a key element of our success.
Find out more:
Northern Economic Development Report 2014
2012 Economic Development, Assessment, Strategy and Action Plan
Additional documents related to the Northern Economic Development and Initiatives Committee (“NEDIC”), may be found here.