Building stronger, more resilient communities, is a primary focus for us at the Shuswap Economic Development Society (SEDS) and through cooperatives we can foster economic growth and shared prosperity.

With this in mind, we are excited to announce the formation of two new co-ops in our region. The Shuswap Region Broadband Cooperative (SRBC) and the Shuswap Farm Co-op (SFC) will work alongside our communities and represent practical solutions to local challenges many of us face.

Connecting Our Communities: The Shuswap Region Broadband Cooperative

Reliable, high-speed internet is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. Yet, many rural and underserved areas in the Shuswap still struggle with slow or unreliable connections, limiting access to education, healthcare, remote work, and economic opportunities. Recognizing this gap, SEDS has been working to bring a community-owned broadband solution to life.

The SRBC has been formed to manage and operate this initiative. The vision is to build an open-access fiber optic network initially serving approximately 2,000 underserved households in the rural Shuswap, delivering fast, affordable, reliable internet to residents and businesses.

Founding members of SRBC include representatives from SEDS, Skwlax Group Ltd., and the Village of Chase. Unlike traditional providers, this cooperative ensures control and benefits stay local. Members shape decisions to meet community needs, keep pricing fair, and reinvest revenue locally to create jobs and fuel economic growth.

Partnering with i-VALLEY, a not-for-profit with experience bringing world-class broadband to rural communities across Canada, SEDS submitted a funding application to Connecting Communities BC. While approval is pending, the momentum is undeniable.

This broadband co-op is more than infrastructure; it’s a lifeline—empowering remote workers, enabling online learning, and strengthening social ties by keeping us connected. SEDS is proud to lead this initiative and support a community-owned, open-access broadband network that promotes local participation.

Cultivating Our Communities: The Shuswap Farm Co-op

Agriculture is central to the Shuswap’s identity and economy. Ensuring the health and sustainability of our food system is essential. Yet, farmers in our region face rising costs, supply challenges, and shifting markets that threaten this legacy.

To address these issues, SEDS’ Agricultural Task Force established the SFC, fostering collaboration and strengthening the agricultural landscape. By combining traditional farming knowledge with modern practices, the Co-op supports a resilient, sustainable future for local agriculture.

Now formally incorporated, the SFC empowers local producers by developing shared infrastructure and support systems that expand market access and improve year-round food security. This member-owned, non-profit model builds more food freedom and resilience than any single farmer could achieve alone.

From cold storage to education programs, tool lending, and land activation, the SFC connects experienced farmers, new growers, and engaged citizens. To ensure community needs are met, SFC will soon be surveying local producers and consumers—keep an eye out for your chance to share input. Together, they are helping create a self-sufficient food system rooted in prosperity, sustainability, and a deep connection to the land—ensuring the Shuswap’s agricultural heritage continues to thrive for generations to come.

Looking Forward

At SEDS, we believe co-ops are powerful tools for building adaptable, inclusive, and sustainable systems. They foster trust, creativity, and shared responsibility—key to meeting future challenges.

We invite you to learn more, get involved, and help shape a resilient, connected Shuswap. Together, we’re showing that collective action builds a stronger region. To get involved, contact us at info@shuswapecdev.ca. Let’s keep building a future we can all be proud of.