The North Okanagan’s rural communities are increasingly interested in bolstering the economy.
The Regional District of North Okanagan is approaching member municipalities and electoral areas to see if a rural economic development function should be established.
“We need jobs,” said Herman Halvorson, Electoral Area Advisory Committee chairperson and rural Enderby director.
“We need employment in the region.”
Halvorson believes there are opportunities throughout the region.
“We have to diversify. Agriculture will be a performer,” he said, adding that forestry and tourism are also strong attractions.
On another front, construction is strong in the rural communities of the North Okanagan.
There were 27 building permits issued by RDNO in the five electoral areas in September compared to 21 during the same month in 2016. Six residential units were created last month.
Year-to-date, there have been 132 building permits issued in the five electoral areas worth $16.8 million.
