Our Projects

Community Futures Sun Country assisting with the delivery of the Mountain Pine Beetle Program

What is the Mountain Pine Beetle Program?

The Government of Canada announced the federal Mountain Pine Beetle Program in January 2007, with a commitment to invest $200 million in measures to address both the short-term and long-term impacts of the beetle infestation. The program is already supporting efforts to control the spread of the beetle, recover as much economic value as possible from the timber destroyed by the beetle, and protect forests and communities from the risk of wildfire.

What is the Community Economic Diversification Initiative?

The Community Economic Diversification Initiative is an important component of the federal Mountain Pine Beetle Program. It is a two-year federal contribution program aimed at helping to diversify the economic foundation of forest-dependent communities and contribute to their long-term stability.

Western Economic Diversification Canada will deliver the initiative on behalf of the federal government. Working with community leaders and other key stakeholders, the Department will invest over $33 million in projects that support economic growth, job creation and future sustainability of communities adversely affected by the widespread beetle infestation. For details please go to www.wd.gc.ca

Community Futures Sun Country partnered with the Village of Ashcroft, Village of Clinton and the District of Logan Lake to provide relevant awareness of Methamphetamine to youth and the communities.

The program was designed to raise awareness about prevention strategies, drug use indicators, long term effects, and the risks associated with drug use-particularly crystal methamphetamine.

A number of theatre productions were presented throughout the region using tools such as improvisation and music to voice the dangers of crystal meth. The local high schools and community halls served as venues for the performances of “"Cranked”, “"Meth” and“"Protect Your Family”.

Resource materials regarding crystal methamphetamine have been made available for use in the community libraries and high schools. Each community library is stocked with books, DVDs, and pamphlets and each high school has a variety of information cards and brochures.

Community Futures Sun Country has been contracted to facilitate the Kickstarting Tourism Project in Partnership with the Village of Ashcroft.

Some of the projects outlined in the proposal sent by the Village include designing and installing a historic theme sign system in downtown Ashcroft, SuperHost training, installation of historic photos on the Museum windows, installation of accessibility equipment at the Museum, as well as updating the signage along the Highway.

Community Futures Sun Country partnered with the Village of Lillooet to bring the Venture Investment Program to local students.

The VIP was designed to assist young entrepreneurs in starting up a business. It is open to students in grades 7-12 in the local schools. Successful candidates are given $200 to start up their business and a chance to win another $100 after the summer. The program has been so successful Community Futures Sun Country has expanded to Hope, Clinton and Lillooet next fiscal period.

Community Futures Sun Country Partnered with the Village of Ashcroft to bring Roger Brooks of Destination Development International to Ashcroft.

Looking at a community, or area, through the eyes of a first-time visitor, the assessment provides an honest look at the community. Our team will review the overall appeal, things to see and do, business mix, customer service, amenities (parking, information, restrooms), gateways and entry points and signage … The assessment also looks at the community’s marketing efforts in terms of visibility, ability to close the sale, branding focus, and continuity.

As an honest look from an outside perspective, challenges can be addressed that locals may be afraid to bring up. Each assessment culminates with a two-hour “Assessment Findings & Suggestions” workshop, and is wrapped up with a full-color report including dozens of photos, examples, suggestions and new ideas, and a wealth of information to get the community talking.

The assessment is the first step in the branding process that the Village of Ashcroft has decided to undertake.

The next step is the branding session with Roger Brooks.

Community Futures Sun Country successfully partnered with the District of Lillooet and the District of Logan Lake to bring the Venture Investment Program to the local students.

The VIP was designed to assist young entrepreneurs in starting up a business. It is open to students from grades 7-12 in the local schools. Successful candidates are given $200 to start up their business and a chance to win another $100 after the summer.

Community Futures Sun Country partnered with the Village of Ashcroft in the second stage of the branding process from Destination Development International.

The Village of Ashcroft underwent a “Branding Bootcamp” last March, the second stage in the branding process from Destination Development International. Below is an excerpt from the Destination Development International website:

Every county, community, downtown, or district wants to become an outstanding destination – a more desirable place for people to live, work, operate a business or visit. Being a sought-after location is the lifeblood of a successful community, and this is the front door to both your tourism and non-tourism economic development efforts.

That is exactly what this three-day Official Destination Development Boot Camp is all about – providing you with the step-by-step instructions to brand, develop and market your own outstanding destination.

There are still ghost towns in the making. Nearly every community in North America and abroad was founded on either a natural resource or transportation. Locations along rivers, shorelines, major highways or rail have created many hubs of commerce, but with a global economy and fierce competition, how are you doing now? And as communities lose their timber, fishing, agriculture, mining, manufacturing, or other industry, they are all looking for a solution: economic diversification.

Every year 1,500 more communities across North America look to diversify their economies. That means every three years there are another 4,500 communities looking for new forms of economic development: tourism, recreation, new industries, residential development, etc.

Community Futures partnered with the Ashcroft Chamber of Commerce and Al Alberts with the operating of the new Information Center in Ashcroft.

Community Futures Sun Country was approved for funding to hire a student through the Canada Summer Jobs Program. This endeavour is an extension of the Village of Ashcroft’s Kickstarting Tourism project aimed at providing information to visitors.

We partnered with the Ashcroft Chamber of Commerce and Al Alberts with the operating of the new Information Center in Ashcroft. The Info centre is located between the car wash and William’s General Store on Railway Ave.

Richelle Rondquist was a part of the original Student Ambassador program and we are fortunate to have her again this year.