Community Economic Development Committee
Help us build Bowen's Community Economic Development Plan
Bowen Island Municipality has restarted work on a new community economic development plan that will help ensure an island economy that is diverse, sustainable, innovative, and serves the needs of residents, businesses, and visitors.
Funded by the provincial Rural Dividend Fund, this project will “examine short and long-term issues, needs, and opportunities to enhance existing and new businesses and associated employment complementary to objectives of the Bowen Official Community Plan.”
We encourage all Bowen Island residents, businesses, and community members to have their say on the economic future of our community. Get involved!
Bowen Island Municipality is using CitizenLab as a consistent and useful platform to encourage and support public input. Please click here to quickly and easily create an account, so you can be informed of upcoming activities and easily have your say.
If you don't want to participate on Citzenlab, you can download the following files and provide your feedback by e-mail to Stef Shortt, Economic Development Liaison at sshortt@bimbc.ca, or by mail to 981 Artisan Lane, Bowen Island, V0N1G2.
- BIM Community Economic Development Plan - Public Engagement (PDF)
- Community Economic Development Plan Questionnaire (MS Word)
Rural Islands Gift Certificate Program
Customers: Purchase Gift Certificates Online
Businesses: Register your Business
Registration is free for businesses. Register for the online gift certificate and donation program here. For more information on registration, please contact: support@islandcomeback.ca.
Message from Bowen Businesses
Bowen businesses would like to share the following message with the community:
You may download posters here:
Resources
- Women's Enterprise Centre: Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRF)
- Canada Student Service Grant
- Talk to an Expert: Small Business BC
- Safety Plans: The Order
- Safety Plans: The Plan
- BC's Restart Plan - May 15, 2020
- Small Business BC - COVID-19 Support Service - Webpage (This link includes information from provincial and federal governments. A great "one stop shop" for information).
- Rural Islands Partnership Society (RIEPS) COVID - 19 Info Hub
- BC Economic Development Association COVID-19 Resources
- Canadian Business Resilience Service (Canadian Chamber of Commerce)
- Government of Canada: Financial Help During COVID-19
Community Economic Development Committee (CEDC)
Purpose of the Committee:
To facilitate Bowen Island community economic development and provide advice to Council about economic development for Bowen Island.
Committee Members:
- Vaune Kolber, Chair
- Rod Marsh, Vice Chair
- Wolfgang Duntz
- Kiersten Enemark
- Marcus Ewart-Johns
- Jody Lorenz
- Ed Wachtman
- Jami Scheffer, The Hearth Executive Director, Bowen Island Arts Council
- Councillor Alison Morse
- Councillor Maureen Nicholson
- Stef Shortt, Staff Liaison (non-voting)
To contact the Economic Development Committee please email: cedc@bimbc.ca
Governing Documents:
Video Recordings:
You may also find agendas, minutes and videos on the Committees webpage.
Click HERE to subscribe to our CEDC email list to receive information about engagement, grant and business development opportunities..
Business Licensing
On July 25, 2016, Council directed the EDC to include the development of recommendations for municipal business licensing in its 2017 Work Plan.
On October 18, 2018, EDC members provided a presentation to members of the business community regarding business licensing at the Fall Business Summit and received their feedback.
On November 27, 2017, the EDC presented its Business Licensing Feasibility Report to Council who directed staff to identify next steps and resources required for a business licensing program as a priority under Strategic Pillar F - Robust and Resilient Local Economy - of the 2018 Island Plan. Work on this project is ongoing.
On January 23, 2018 EDC members provided a presentation to members of the business community regarding the implementation of business licensing at Business Summit and received their feedback.
Council asked staff to review the report and return with an analysis of the recommendations, and identified business licensing as a priority in the Island Plan.
In 2018, staff reported back to Council with a detailed analysis of the recommendations, including a proposed business licensing bylaw and a proposed implementation schedule.
Open House Display Boards: September 13, 2018
Staff Report: September 24, 2018
The Business Licence Bylaw No. 465, 2018 was adopted on October 9, 2018, and will take effect on January 1, 2019.
A transition period was scheduled in early 2019 while the business licensing program is being set up. Municipal staff will begin accepting applications in January 2019.
During this time, staff will also be developing an online business directory that will be available for the public to find businesses on Bowen Island, and an online platform that will make applying and paying for business licences as simple as possible for businesses.
At the CEDC Annual Business Summit February 20, 2019, an update on the business license program was presented.
For the most up-to-date information on business licenses, please go to this link.
Branding
In the Summer of 2014, the EDC Branding Subcommittee conducted a survey of visitors.
On October 1, 2014 the EDC presented their branding initiative to the Committee of the Whole:
On December 15, 2015, the EDC provided the following presentations to the Committee of the Whole:
On January 25, 2016 Chris Staples of Rethink Solutions provided a branding presentation to Council:
On February 15, 2016, the EDC delivered a presentation of their branding research to the Committee of the Whole:
On June 27, 2016 Chris Staples of Rethink Solutions provided a presentation to the Committee of the Whole:
Subsequently, on June 27, 2016, Council adopted the Community Brand.
On November 17, 2016, Chris Staples provided the following presentations to the Economic Development Committee:
Read a brief history of the Bowen Island Branding Initiative.
Public support for the brand story includes:
Events
2016 Building Bowen Island's Local Economy Workshop
(Co-Hosted by BIM EDC and the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training)
On March 31, 2016, in collaboration with the Minstry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training, the EDC hosted an all- workshop. Below are links to presentations and notes.
2016 EDC Business Summit
On October 18, 2016 the EDC hosted an open meeting for Bowen businesses. Over 65 business owners were in attendance for a lively evening of discussion, small group exercises and networking. The following topics were presented:
Other information from the 2016 EDC Business Summit includes:
2018 EDC Business Summit
On Tuesday, January 23, 2018 the EDC hosted an open meeting for businesses.
- Implementing Business Licensing
- Business Continuity (Emergency Management)
- Notes on Table-Top Discussions
2019 CEDC Business Summit
On Tuesday, February 20, 2019, the CEDC hosted its annual business summit.
Work Plans and Annual Reports
Work Plans
Annual Reports
Community Engagement
Surveys
Three surveys were conducted in 2014 and 2015:
- Business Survey (Conducted May 20 - November 18, 2015)
- Visitors Survey (Conducted June 15-September 15, 2014)
- Residents Survey (Conducted October 1 - November 2, 2015)
Summits
Four Local Business Summits and Workshops were held in 2016, 2018 and 2019 (see Events tab above)
Conversations
The EDC holds regular Business Breakfasts with various sectors of the Bowen Island business community including:
- Food Businesses (April 11, 2018): Notes
- Retail Businesses (June 27, 2018): Notes
- Trades (October 24, 2018): Notes
Committee Meetings
Most Economic Development Committee meetings are open to the public and are publicized on the BIM website. Special promotion will occur when a guest speaker has been invited to present or an EDC initiative is going before Council for approval.
Subcommittee Meetings
EDC members often form subcommittees to work on priority initiatives which are open to members of the community. If you are interested in participating in a subcommittee, please contact edc@bimbc.ca.
Publications
Publications
The Economic Development Committee has been involved in the production of several documents including:
Publications that inform the work of the EDC include:
Guest Speakers
The EDC often invites guest speakers series to present for the Committee and members of the public. These include:
Lindsay Bisschop, Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training (2016)
Wes Regan, Community Economic Development Planner for the City of Vancouver (December 15, 2017)
Stephen Mikichich, Economic Development Manager, District of West Vancouver (April 20, 2018)
Councillor Silas White, Town of Gibsons (May 11, 2018)
Zarah Gale, Community Futures Sunshine Coast (June 8, 2018)
Reference: Bowen Island
The following is a list of resources specific to Bowen Island.
- Economic Development Referral Policy
- Bowen Island Residents Perception on Tourism, Chamber of Commerce , 2008
- Commerce on Bowen Island (2003)
- Economic Impact Assessment for the Potential for a National Park on Bowen Island (2011)
- The Population of Bowen Island 1981-2001
- This Commuter Island (2005)
- Bowen Island Tourism Plan (Draft) (2013)
- Presentation to EDAC, dated April 23, 2013 by Adam Holbrook, Chair, BIM Transportation Committee
- Economic Development Workshop and Focus Group Report, dated September, 2013
- Economic Development Committee submission to BC Coastal Ferries Engagement Process, sent Dec. 20, 2013
- Video of Bowen island from Vancouver's North Shore Tourism Association
- 2015 Bowen Island Visitor Centre Report
- Trade and Invest British Columbia: Bowen Island Profile
- 2014-2015 EDC Action Plan
- 2017 - 2018 Tourism Report
Reference: General
The following is a list of general resources regarding economic development.
- What is Community Economic Development? Lindsay Bisschop (2017)
- Characteristics of Commercial Nature Based Tourism Industry in British Columbia, January (2005)
- Economic and Social Benefits of Arts, Culture and Heritage in Red Deer, Alberta dated June 14, 2004
- Tourism BC, Vancouver Coast and Mountains Region Presentation by Shawna Leung, dated April 2, 2013
- Economic Benefits of a Walkable and Bike Friendly Community
- The Future Business Environment of the Sunshine Coast, 2011-2021 - prepared by the Central 1 Credit Union, Economics Department , dated Spring 2011
- Port of Skagit Economic Impacts Draft Results, September 9, 2014
- Evaluating The Economic Development Role of BC Local Governments, April 2010
- Bowen Island Census Profile (2006, 2011)
- Squamish Branding, Development & Marketing Action Plan, September 2014
- Economic Benefits of Heritage Preservation, Ministry of Tourism, Parks, Cultural and Sport
- Dynamic Downtowns Workbook: Using Heritage to Build Strong, Vibrant Downtowns
- Business Retention and Expansion Guidebook (2005)
- The Role of Local Elected Officials in Economic Development
Collaborative Projects
Bowen Business Navigators
Free Service Sponsored by the Community Foundation Resiliency Fund and Bowen Island Municipality
The Bowen Business Navigators are part of the Community Economic Sustainability Assistance Project that aims to help our local economy thrive in a "new normal". Rod Marsh, CEDC Chair, and Vaune Kolber, CEDC Vice Chair, are offering free, one-to-one consultations to local businesses to help navigate the wide range of government and community resources available to assist businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program was made possible by the support of the Community Foundation Resiliency Fund and the Bowen Island Municipality. Business owners can schedule an appointment by emailing: bowenbusinessnavigator@gmail.com.
DISCLAIMER: The guidance provided by this service is for general information purposes only. By using these no cost services, you accept any and all risks associated with your financial and business decisions and will rely on your own judgment or those of your own professional advisors. You also agree that you will not seek to recover any loss or damages from the individuals or Bowen Island Municipality arising from the use of these services. Any confidential information disclosed by the business will be kept anonymous.
Business Continuity Planning
The BIM Emergency Program, BIM Community Econonic Development Committee, and Bowen Island Community Foundation collaborated to provide free Business Continuity training and follow-ups for essential services on Bowen Island. Please go to the Business Continuity Planning page of our Emergency Program to learn more.
Business Meet-Ups
Bowen Island Digital Meet Ups for Businesses (via Zoom)
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the CEDC Business Engagement Working Group began hosting weekly online sessions to support businesses. These Zoom meetings are called "Bowen Island Digital Meet Ups for Businesses" and were held every Wednesday morning at 9:30am. In response to the announcement of Phase 3 re-opening, the sessions were held monthly-ish, on Tuesdays at 9:00am until Fall of 2020.
To join in on these sessions, make sure you have the Zoom app downloaded and when you are ready to join, click this link: https://zoom.us/j/4243058374.
Heartfelt thanks to the CEDC subcommittee members who are hosting and coordinating this initiative, particularly Rod Marsh, Vaune Kolber, Natasha Vaz and Chris Corrigan.
Recordings of each session will be posted on this page. Please see recordings and notes at the bottom of this page under the Business Meet-Up tab. We will also be posting resources that come from the provincial and federal levels of government here. If you would like to be added to the mailing list of Bowen businesses, please email Stef Shortt at sshortt@bimbc.ca.
Small Business BC: BC Marketplace
Tuesday, October 6, 2020 at 9:00am
End of summer touch base.
Tuesday, September 15, 2020
What has your experience of re-opening been?
Tuesday, July 14, 2020 at 9:00am
How are you Re-imagining your Bowen Business?
Wednesday, June 10, 2020 at 9:30am
Safety Plans and What are you Customers Saying About Re-opening?
Wednesday, June 3, 2020 at 9:30am
Re-opening, Buy Local, Branded Signage, and Advertising.
Wednesday, May 27, 2020 at 9:30am
- Notes Overview
- Google Doc
- Video Recording
- Presentation Slides
- Buy Local Campaign Slides
- Message from Bowen Business (Poster)
Emergency Finance Update and What is a Safe Re-Opening for Bowen?
Wednesday, May 20, 2020 at 9:30am
BC's Restart Plan: What does it Mean for Bowen Businesses?
Wednesday, May 13, 2020 at 9:30am
- Notes Overview
- Google Doc
- Video Recording
- Presentation Slides
- BC's Restart Plan dated May 6, 2020
What does our Business Comeback Look Like?
Wednesday, May 6, 2020 at 9:30am
Business Tools and Financial Supports
Wednesday, April 29, 2020
Food, Farm and Supply Chain
Wednesday, April 22, 2020 at 9:30am
- Notes Overview
- Google Doc
- Recording of Meeting
- Presentation Slides
- Toward a Resilient Food System for Bowen Island: Agrarian Analysis (August 2019, Julie P. Sage)
- Groundwork: Executive Summary (August 2019, BIFS)
- Bowen Island Community Foundation Resiliency Grant Application
What Will it Take For My Business to Recover?
Wednesday, April 15, 2020 at 9:30am
- Notes Overview
- Link to Google Doc with meeting recording, presentation slides, informative links and conversation captures.
- Recording of meeting
- Presentation slides
Hearing from Bowen Businesses: Adapting to Change
Wednesday, April 8, 2020 at 9:30am
- Notes Overview
- Link to Google Doc with meeting recording, presentation slides, informative links and conversation captures.
- Recording of meeting
- Presentation slides
Emergency Financial Support Programs from Federal and Provincial Governments
Wednesday, April 1, 2020 at 9:30am
- Notes overview
- Link to Google Doc with recording of meeting, presentation slides, informative links and conversation captures.
- Link to recording of meeting
- Link to presentation slides
Employment Insurance (EI) and Record of Employment Documents (ROEs)
Wednesday, March 25, 2020 at 9:30am
- Notes Overview
- Link to Google Doc with recording of meeting, presentations slides, informative links and conversation captures.
- Link to recording of meeting
- Link to presentation slides
Please take four minutes to complete our COVID-19 Business Survey.
CED Plan
Community Economic Development Plan
In November 2021 H & K Strategies were engaged to complete the final two phases of the plan: public engagement and plan writing. The draft CED Plan will go to Council for approval in September 2021.
Grant Information
Community Futures Sunshine Coast - Bowen Island
Bowen Island is eligible to access resources and funding offered by Community Futures Sunshine Coast. Here is a link to the Regional Relief and Recovery Funding (RRRF) loans program application (loans of up to a maximum of $40,000 with 25% forgiveness available).
(Note: There are also informative resources linked in the documents provided under Meet Up summaries)
Last Updated on 2021-02-25 at 10:17 AM