Kettle Valley Consulting led the unincorporated community of Okanagan Falls on a plan development process to help the community achieve its economic development and COVID-19 recovery goals.  Included was public engagement, brainstorming and strategic analysis of the community (i.e. SWOT review), identification of community barriers and gaps, goal and action setting, and implementation targets and timelines.

This project was cost-shared by the RDOS and the Okanagan Falls Community Association (OFCA). Brad Dollevoet was the project manager and principal plan writer of this project and balanced the viewpoints of the Okanagan Falls Community Association with the RDOS in the completion of a joint vision for economic development of Okanagan Falls. The plan was adopted by the Regional District Board in September, 2020.

One major project constraint that occurred in the middle of the plan development process was the global COVID-19 pandemic that occurred in late March. Planned were community engagement open houses to share the background information, and the SWOT review completed by the OFCA Board. Following a reset of the SWOT feedback in the context of the new COVID-19 reality (and the addition of additional threats and opportunities), the project plan was amended to complete the project utilizing a virtual community webinar with a follow-up survey instead of open houses. Despite this setback, the project was still completed in accordance with the prepared schedule and on budget. 

Project Client: Matt Taylor, President, Okanagan Falls Community Association