Project & Services
What We Do
What We Do
Community-Led Projects. Regional Impact. Collaborative Solutions.
At LCCDTS, we turn vision into action. Our work spans a wide range of regional initiatives that strengthen communities, support local economies, and foster connection across the Lower Columbia.
We serve as a hub for community development—offering leadership, coordination, and strategic support to projects that contribute to the well-being of our region. Whether we’re launching new initiatives, collaborating with local organizations, or providing behind-the-scenes support, we play a flexible and responsive role in helping great ideas take shape.
Our approach is threefold:
We lead
When there’s a gap to fill or a bold idea to pursue, we step in as project leaders—bringing partners together, securing funding, and managing delivery from start to finish.
We collaborate
We co-design and co-deliver projects with other changemakers—ensuring community voices are heard and resources are used effectively.
We support
Acting as a concierge service for grassroots development, we provide guidance, structure, and administrative support to community-led initiatives that need a launchpad—like the IncrEDIBLE Farmers Market or Hills to Valley Garden & Art Tour.
From regional economic development and immigration partnerships, to arts and culture programming, food security, and clean-tech industry promotion, we connect ideas to action and communities to each other.
Whether you’re a resident with an idea, a community leader looking for partnership, or a newcomer exploring the region—LCCDTS is here to help build what’s next.
Current Projects
Metal Tech Alley
The LCCDTS supports and encourages development within the South Kootenay’s metallurgical business sector including mining, metallurgical, environmental and related service industries. Metal Tech Alley is a regional investment attraction and innovation initiative providing white-glove concierge services to investors and other business supports for the benefit of our region.
IncrEDIBLE Farmers Markets
The IncrEDIBLE Farmers Market invites you to connect with local makers, bakers, and growers and shop for the beautifully made, high-quality items they create. Our markets in Trail, Fruitvale and Rossland offer affordable access to sustainable food and goods in a welcoming community space. Come gather, have fun, and develop new friendships.
Hills to Valley Garden and Art Tour
Discover breathtaking gardens from Rossland to Fruitvale in the Hills to Valley Garden and Art Tour each summer, where you can walk through at your own pace or join a guided tour with lunch. Enjoy the spectacular rewards of the hard work of local gardeners while experiencing the finest art and music, all combined for an unforgettable afternoon on the first Saturday in July. Find out more –and whose gardens will be featured this year–on their Facebook Page
Regional Immigration Collaboration (RIC)
BC Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Entrepreneur Regional Stream
We are a referral partner for the BC PNP Entrepreneur: Regional Stream for the cities of Trail and Rossland. Each year, we determine priority sectors and interview potential international entrepreneurs who want to invest at least $100,000 to create a new local business.
Industrial and Commercial Land Inventory
The Lower Columbia Industrial & Commercial Land Inventory on the Metal Tech Alley website highlights key parcels and their attributes as ready for development, assisting businesses, investors, planners and developers in our community.
Land Development Strategy
In consultation with local communities look to establish a strategy for future development compatible with needs and vision. We will create marketing materials for a specific parcel in each community.
Past Projects
West Kootenay Recruitment Agency Pilot
The LCCDTS supported the Community Futures Central Kootenay to create a recruitment agency business plan, establish business relationships and develop tools and resources for operating a recruitment agency to support Kootenay businesses. This project established an HR network as a community of practice for HR professionals and supported a Steering Committee to discuss workforce development issues and opportunities.
R&D Support for Circular Economy Innovation
Providing local companies with the resources and opportunities to work with academics on circular economy innovation opportunities. Companies will be matched with students and faculty who are conducting research related to their industry. This project will allow students to experience applied research in an industry setting, and make the R&D process more accessible for local companies.
Industrial Land Inventory and Zoning Standardization
For investors to be successful, it is crucial to reduce complications and red tape. We developed an easy to access inventory of industrial and commercial land in the Lower Columbia. We advocate for the standardization of zoning bylaws to reduce red tape for investors.
View the Land Inventory Map HERE
Lower Columbia Affordable Housing Society
One of the LCCDTS’s most impactful successes is the establishment of the Lower Columbia Affordable Housing Society (LCAHS). Recognizing the critical shortage of housing options in our region, the LCCDTS played a key incubation role in bringing community leaders together to form this dedicated non-profit.
Since its incorporation in 2013, the Society has grown from a grassroots initiative into a major regional housing provider. Today, the LCAHS independently manages a growing portfolio of affordable rental units across Trail, Rossland, and Fruitvale. By partnering with local governments and funding bodies, they provide secure, high-quality homes for seniors, families, and individuals with low to moderate incomes, fulfilling a vital need in our community’s social infrastructure.
Learn more: www.lowercolumbiahousing.ca
Thriving Communities!
Our Thriving Communities project won BCEDA’s for Best Marketing Initiative (Population under 20,000) in 2015. When it comes to attracting new residents and investors, local residents can become the best ambassadors for promoting their community. The regional economic development office launched a marketing campaign to teach residents about local economic drivers and good news stories. This foundation of knowledge and confidence encouraged new residents and investors to consider the region as the choice for lifestyle and investment.
Foreign Direct Investment Strategy
This was where Metal Tech Alley began! Our FDI plan leverages our communities’ best assets to attract investment that enhances our region’s industry. For more information on Metal Tech Alley visit metaltechalley.com
MTA: Battery Hub Feasibility Study and Execution Plan
The increase in Electric Vehicles (EVs) and other battery powered machinery and appliances creates opportunities for our region’s specialization in battery recycling and metallurgical technology. With existing battery recyclers, KC Recycling and Cirba Solution, Metal Tech Alley is already positioned to act on increasing battery recycling capacity. Companies like Fenix Advanced Materials are contributing to new battery development and the recovery and upcycling of critical minerals from e-waste and the byproducts of smelting. This feasibility study and execution plan gave us the foundation and plan to pursue a regional innovation and investment hub to support our region’s global position in the recovery of critical metals.
MTA Professionals Project
We are dedicated to showcasing the talent and expertise in Metal Tech Alley. We interviewed business owners and professionals about their careers, businesses and why they have chosen to live in Metal Tech Alley. Interviews were curated and paired with media for advertising on our website as well as social media. This raised awareness of Metal Tech Alley locally and helps workforce and business attraction.
International Circular Economy (ICE) Conference
The ICE 2021 conference gathered leaders and innovators to advance the industrial circular economy. Attendees explored practical strategies for reducing waste and maximizing resource efficiency within local industries. The event solidified Trail’s position as a forward-thinking hub for sustainable industrial development.
Capstone Projects
We regularly connect high school students with opportunities to learn more about the careers they are passionate about by matching them with dedicated mentors in the local community.
Imagine Kootenay – Shared Initiative
The LCCDTS originated the widely successful Imagine Kootenay collaboration, now held by Community Future. Imagine Kootenay branding initiative which showcases our spectacular lifestyle, beautiful communities, and investment and employment opportunities. The brand is still going strong today!
Local Supply Chain and Cluster Analysis
Our supply chain and industrial cluster analysis covered data collection on the forestry and metallurgy industries’ supply chains including inputs, outputs, wastes, and by-products. The project identified gaps and opportunities for new developments.
West Kootenay Rural & Northern Immigration Pilot Program (RNIP) – Shared Initiative
Led by Community Futures Central Kootenay, we supported the implementation of the Rural & Northern Immigration Program in the West Kootenay. This pilot project aimed to give communities more opportunities to help immigrants who are already living in them. Our staff sat on the steering committee of the RNIP program in the West Kootenay and assisted with assessing applications.
Services
Business Retention & Expansion (BRE) / Business Attraction (BA)
BRE and BA focus on increasing the competitiveness and sustainability of established businesses. Stable or increased employment rates, increased property values and economic sector health are key benefits of having a BRE program in place. It also encompasses helping businesses to weather economic slumps so that there is a lower risk of job losses and businesses closing.
Relationship Building
The LCCDTS plays a role in building relationships and project partnerships with other communities in the West Kootenay region. Relationships are improved by participating in economic development activities on the scale of the West Kootenay region. These activities allow the LCCDTS to bring services to businesses that would otherwise be challenging to achieve as a small group of municipalities (for example, federal immigration programs). As well, helping other communities with economic development projects intended for the West Kootenay region will ultimately be extremely beneficial to the Lower Columbia, as local economies across the West Kootenay are. The LCCDTS maintains a collaborative network of stakeholders, partners, and professionals that form and maintain the vibrancy and sustainability of the region’s economic development.
Advocacy
The LCCDTS supports the Lower Columbia by providing advocacy services at the provincial and federal levels. Advocacy covers issues relating to infrastructure improvements, such as power supply and transportation, as well as public policy review. We advocate for changes to public policy where improvements can be made to create and improve opportunities for development in our region.
Community Development Support
We believe that community development and economic development are intrinsically linked. The LCCDTS works with other organizations to make improvements in our communities. By working together, economic developers and community development organizations can make more effective long-term improvements to the region by ensuring there are adequate community services for a growing population.