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Business…it’s a pleasure
Wednesday, April 15th, 2009 by GetawayBC.com
Summerland’s vibrant economy, small town atmosphere and the natural beauty makes it one of the most attractive places to work and live in the Okanagan Valley. Summerland’s economy is supported by diverse sectors such as manufacturing, value added agriculture, research and development, and tourism. With a growing economic base, the opportunities throughout the area are expanding.
Summerland supports Research and Development at the Pacific Agri-Food Research Centre with over 100 scientists to support innovation in the agricultural sector. The three areas of expertise at the Centre are Horticultural and Environment, Food Science and Biotechnology.
While Summerland boasts all the amenities and services of larger centers, the community maintains a strong sense of community pride with incredible volunteer participation making Summerland one of the friendliest towns around.
The local government is committed to assisting you with all your business expansion and relocation needs.
Residential life in our relaxed community by the lake is a healthy mix of new construction, historical homes, lake front homes, apartments, specialized living and senior complexes that secure friendly and safe neighborhoods.
Contact Information:
Scott Boswell, Director of Economic Development, District of Summerland
tel: 250-404-4042 e-mail: sboswell@summerland.ca website: www.summerland.bc.ca
People, Plants and Pride; Growing Together.”
The Communities in Bloom program, inspired by national beautification programs in Europe, was launched in Canada in 1995. The friendly competition has grown extensively across the country at both the national and provincial levels. Canadian towns and cities are working towards creating better communities and healthier places to live and work out of their commitment to fostering civic pride, environmental responsibility and beautification through community participation.
The program strives to improve the tidiness, appearance and visual appeal of Canada’s neighbourhoods, parks, open spaces and streets through the imaginative use of flowers, plants and trees. A focus on environmental awareness and preservation of heritage and culture also goes a long way in the pursuit of enhancing a community’s quality of life. Citizens of all ages, municipal governments, local organizations and businesses take part in the program.
Communities in Bloom competitions involve an evaluation by a volunteer jury of professionals on the accomplishments of the community on eight key criteria: tidiness, environmental awareness, community involvement, natural and cultural heritage conservation, urban forestry, landscaped areas, floral displays and turf and ground cover areas.
More Than a Beauty Contest
The District of Summerland has participated in Communities in Bloom since 2006 and our efforts have not gone unrewarded! In the first year of competition our neighbour to the north, Kelowna, mentored Summerland in the Canadian Classic category and we received national honours. Five blooms gave special recognition for the riparian habitat conservation at Summerland’s lakefront. The following year, five blooms again were awarded in the provincial competition (for communities with a population of 10,000 to 20,000) for the creation and efforts of the Summerland Asset Development Initiative (SADI), a unique non-profit youth organization focused on developing a responsible, entrepreneurial spirit in our youth. An example of one very successful SADI venture is the Tree Fruit Project. Produce, collected by donations from the community’s orchards, is picked by volunteers and members of SADI. One third of the produce is returned to the owner, one third is donated to the food bank and one third is canned and sold by the SADI members as a fundraising activity.
In 2009 Summerland enters the Communities in Bloom competition on a national level but regardless of the outcome, our community is a better place for having taken on the challenge.;