The Economic Development Department works to support a resilient, sustainable, and diversified local economy while enhancing quality of life in Tumbler Ridge. Through collaboration, strategic planning, and community partnerships, the department helps foster opportunities that support residents, businesses, investment, and long-term community growth.
The department oversees a broad range of functions, including economic development, tourism, marketing and communications, business retention and attraction, housing and residential development initiatives, land use planning, strategic planning, and community development. This work involves ongoing engagement with local businesses, industry partners, non-profit organizations, government agencies, and regional stakeholders, supported by research, data analysis, and community input.
In addition to the Official Community Plan, the department continues to be guided by the Tumbler Ridge Tourism Strategy 2020, “Land of Ancient Footprints, Land of New Discoveries.” In 2025, the department completed the Residential Development Plan in partnership with Urban Systems. The plan provides a strategic framework for responsible, sustainable residential growth by evaluating potential housing development sites through environmental, social, and economic considerations.
Building on this work, the department developed and completed the Economic Diversification Strategy and the Trails and Outdoor Recreation Strategy in 2026. Together, these plans and strategies guide the department’s efforts to strengthen long-term community resilience and support sustainable growth.
Key Projects in 2026:
- Economic Diversification Strategy - In partnership with Lochaven Consulting, this strategy explores opportunities in tourism, renewable energy, technology, and emerging industries to support long-term economic resilience and diversification in Tumbler Ridge. Read the full strategy here.
- Trails and Outdoor Recreation Strategy - A collaborative initiative between the District of Tumbler Ridge and the Tumbler Ridge Outdoor Recreation Association (TRORA), this project focuses on the sustainable development, management, and promotion of the community's trail network and outdoor recreation assets while supporting environmental stewardship and long-term economic benefits.
Professional Development:
- Attended BC Economic Development Association (BCEDA) Summit, Northern BC Tourism Conference, and Fundamentals of Community Economic Development Course.
Grants & Grant Writing:
- With support from Northern Development Initiative Trust (NDIT), the District engaged Kyldar Consulting to provide dedicated grant research and writing services for local businesses and organizations.
- The initiative secured $740,707 in grant funding, with an additional $1,549,113 in applications pending.
Marketing Websites & Graphic Design:
- Summer social media campaign reached more than 136,600 people and generated over 295,800 impressions.
- Utilized CrowdRiff for visual content marketing and destination promotion.
- Created graphics and promotional materials for events, signage, advertising, community initiatives, and economic development projects.
- Developed and published the 2026-2027 Visitor Information Guide.
Tradeshow, Networking & Business Support:
- Promoted Tumbler Ridge and Northern BC at the Union of BC Municipalities Trade show in Vancouver, and the Alberta Powersports show in Edmonton.
- Continued collaboration with regional partners, volunteer organizations, industry stakeholders, and tourism organizations to support economic diversification, outdoor recreation, housing, and community development initiatives.
- Jessie Olsen was appointed as Vice President of the Northern BC Tourism Association Board in October 2026.
Learn more at Invest Tumbler Ridge and Visit Tumbler Ridge
The Economic Development Team:
Jessie Olsen, Director of Economic & Community Development
305 Iles Way, Tumbler Ridge, BC V0C 2W0
Phone: 250-242-4242
Sydney Blunden, Economic Development Assistant
305 Iles Way, Tumbler Ridge, BC V0C 2W0
Phone: 250-242-4242