Vision North Okanagan is a strategic alliance of key stakeholders who are concerned about and focussed on economic development in the North Okanagan. Vision North Okanagan exists for the purpose of creating and enhancing the business and social environment for sustainable socio-economic progress on a regional level. We achieve this end by identifying and responding to key opportunities and issues, and by bringing the right partners and resources to the table to maximize the effectiveness of our efforts.

Vision North Okanagan believes that through cooperation, communication, and tapping into great people, economic development initiatives will enhance the quality of life for all our citizens.


Vision

“The North Okanagan is recognized internationally for its vibrant, diverse and sustainable economy, environment and high quality of life for all residents.”


Mission

Vision North Okanagan is committed to working collectively and cooperatively to encourage and facilitate sustainable regional economic development within the North Okanagan.  It does so by providing leadership; proactively identifying and responding to economic development issues and priorities; promoting innovative and yet realistic approaches to economic opportunities and challenges; coordinating and mobilizing resources; and, organizing and supporting results-driven action teams comprised of local partners/stakeholders.

What We Are

Vision North Okanagan is not a formal legal entity rather the emphasis is focused on building upon what already exists; developing partnerships and pursuing strategic directions. As such, Vision North Okanagan is a coordinating and cooperating alliance of committed, affected and interested individuals whose contributions fills gaps, build on, support and/or otherwise complement the efforts of those organizations already engaged in some aspect of economic development within the region e.g. municipalities, Community Futures, DVA, Chambers and the like.

What We Do

 On a regular basis the Vision North Okanagan Council meets to (a) identify areas/issues for investigation and action, (b) create Action Teams with clear direction, and, (c) identify new directions and initiatives for the Council as a whole.

Action Teams are created around a singular issue. The goal is to identify actions that can move the issues along toward real action in the community. Sometimes this requires research; other times it means getting various governments and agencies to work together; sometimes funding is required from senior government; but most often action is required from local citizens to make things happen. There can be many action teams happening at one time depending on the length of the initiatives or actions identified and we are always open to new action teams being created when new initiatives or issues are identified by community members.

While we have have strategic plan that we are currently working through, Vision North Okanagan is open to your ideas and suggestions. Contact us for more information on how to present to Vision North Okanagan.

While we have a strategic plan that we are currently working through, Vision North Okanagan is open to your ideas and suggestions. Contact us for more information on how to present to Vision NorthOkanagan.


Guiding Principals

Vision North Okanagan has determined that in order to be successful, its guiding principles will need to include the following principles:

  • Premised on the economic realities of 21st century - These realities include: (a) we are in a global economy; (b) the pace of change will continue to accelerate; (c) the components of competitiveness can no longer be pursued separately; (d) partnership with the private sector is critical; and, (e) innovation is the only sustainable competitive advantage.
  • Regional - Locally this means at a minimum the North Okanagan but open to and supportive of partnerships in Valley wide initiatives.
  • Inclusive - Representing broader stakeholder interests.
  • Well planned and strategic - With established goals and well defined objectives and activities that yield measurable outputs, outcomes and impacts (value for money).
  • Pro-active - Not simply waiting for something to happen and not simply reacting when something does.
  • Independent yet community responsive; apolitical yet transparent and accountable.
    • and,
  • Long-term focused


Strategic Priorities

The goals identified below for Vision North Okanagan are a consensus of expressed ideas, opinions and inputs, and are logically premised and supportable. They were formed by considering “what is possible?” “what is desirable?” and “what can realistically be achieved?”.

Goal 1: Foster Economic Stabilization and Promote Diversification and Expansion
Goal 2: Advance Leadership and Encourage Inclusiveness in Regional Economic Development
Goal 3: Improve the regional business climate
Goal 4: Foster a Liveable Region with an Enviable Quality of Life
Goal 5: Develop VNO’s Structure and Roles