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 also continued work on several major strategic initiatives, including the Economic Diversification Strategy, Residential Development Plan, and ongoing trails planning initiatives, all of which help support long-term community resilience and sustainable growth.
Key Projects in 2025:
- Economic Development 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.
- Residential Development Strategy - Developed in partnership with Urban Systems, this project establishes a strategic framework for responsible and sustainable residential growth by evaluating potential land parcels for housing development while considering environmental, social, and economic factors.
- 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, BCEDA Learning Exchange, Tourism Industry Association of BC Conference, Northern BC Tourism Conference, and Marketing the North Creators Camp.
- Participated as a panel speaker at the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM), and Northern BC Tourism Conference.
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 $444,094 in grant funding, with an additional $7,486,595 in applications pending at year-end.
Marketing Websites & Graphic Design:
- Delivered two Shop Local Tumbler Ridge campaigns, including the Summer Campaign and 12 Days of Christmas Campaign, helping drive local business engagement and community support.
- Summer social media campaign reached more than 132,400 people and generated over 200,100 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.
- Produced and submitted a community video application for HGTV's Home Town Takeover.
- Began development of the 2026-2027 Visitor Information Guide.
Tradeshow, Networking & Business Support:
- Promoted Tumbler Ridge and Northern BC at the Earlybird RV Show in Abbotsford, Vancouver Outdoor Adventure Show, and Alberta Snowmobile, ATV & Off-Road 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 continued serving in her second year as a Director-at-Large with the Northern BC Tourism Association.
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