Candace Bach

About Candace Bach

Posts by Candace Bach:

March 5 2026

Funding Available to Help BC Farmers Adopt New Technology

Agriculture has long been an important part of the local economy in and around Sicamous and the broader Shuswap Region. From small family farms to larger agricultural operations, producers in our area continue to adapt to changing markets, labour challenges, and evolving technology. A current funding opportunity may help local farmers take the next step forward.

The Province of British Columbia is offering support through the B.C. On-Farm Technology Adoption Program, which helps farmers invest in modern equipment and innovative tools that can improve productivity and efficiency on the farm. The program provides cost-shared funding to help producers purchase commercially available technologies designed to streamline operations and strengthen farm sustainability.

Eligible technologies may include automation, robotics, and precision agriculture tools that help reduce labour-intensive tasks, improve crop management, and increase efficiency. Examples could include automated harvesting equipment, robotic weed control, advanced irrigation systems, or improved storage technologies that help maintain product quality and reduce waste.

For farmers in the Shuswap area, programs like this can be especially valuable. Agriculture in our region often operates at a smaller scale, and investing in new technology can be a significant financial decision. Funding programs can help offset those costs while allowing local producers to remain competitive and resilient.

These investments also strengthen the broader local economy. When farms succeed, they support local food systems, create employment, and contribute to the overall vitality of rural communities like Sicamous.

Local agricultural producers interested in adopting new technologies are encouraged to explore the program and see whether their operations may qualify for funding.

Farmers interested in applying can learn more about eligibility and application details through the BC On-Farm Technology Adoption Program, with applications open until April 6, 2026.

Supporting innovation in agriculture helps ensure that farming in the Shuswap continues to thrive for generations to come.

February 6 2026

CanExport Grant Funding Now Open

News

CANEXPORT GRANT FUNDING NOW OPEN — SUPPORT FOR EXPORT MARKET DEVELOPMENT

Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) seeking to expand into new international markets can now apply for funding through the CanExport SMEs program. This federal initiative is delivered by the Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) and is designed to help businesses cover part of the costs involved in exploring and developing export opportunities.

What the Program Offers

CanExport SMEs provides cost-shared funding to eligible Canadian businesses planning to enter markets where they have limited or no existing sales. Successful applicants can receive between $10,000 and $50,000 to support activities such as:

Market research and intelligence;
Participation in trade missions, exhibitions or conferences abroad;
Translation and adaptation of marketing materials for target markets;
Export-related legal and regulatory advice;
Travel to meet potential customers or partners in international markets.

The program funds up to 50 percent of eligible project costs, while applicants must cover the remaining share. Projects must be planned in advance — retroactive costs are not eligible.

Who Can Apply

To qualify, a business must:

Be a Canadian-registered, for-profit SME with a valid Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) business number;
Employ fewer than 500 full-time equivalent employees;
Have generated annual revenues in Canada within a defined range consistent with program requirements; and
Clearly demonstrate how the proposed activities support export expansion into new markets.

Applications must include a detailed plan outlining target markets and the export-related activities that will be funded. The program is competitive and funds are limited.

2026–27 Application Window

The 2026–27 CanExport SMEs application period runs from February 4, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) until May 29, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET. Businesses are encouraged to apply early, as applications are assessed on a rolling competitive basis while funding remains available.

Program Updates and Priorities

There are some updates for the current year, including changes to eligibility criteria and a greater focus on export diversification. Applicants may now target either the United States or other international markets for each application, but not both simultaneously. Minimum thresholds for revenue and staffing levels have also been adjusted to ensure support is directed to companies with capacity to succeed abroad.

Planning Your Application

Businesses considering export growth are advised to review the complete CanExport SMEs Applicant’s Guide and prepare supporting documentation well in advance. The program process includes demonstrating meaningful economic ties to Canada, as well as clear objectives and measurable outcomes for export activity.

For local businesses exploring export potential, CanExport represents a substantial opportunity to offset early-stage international development costs and strengthen global market presence.

More info and apply

February 6 2026

BC Agriculture and Food Export Program – New Funding to Support Market Growth

News

The BC Agriculture and Food Export Program is now open for applications, offering cost-shared funding to help agriculture, food and beverage exporters in British Columbia develop and expand markets beyond the province. This initiative is part of the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a five-year federal-provincial program designed to strengthen the agricultural sector and build long-term economic resilience.

The program’s goal is to support B.C. producers, processors, cooperatives and industry associations in exploring new markets, increasing sales and reducing the risks associated with relying on limited sales channels. Funding is intended to help businesses grow internationally and diversify their customer base.

Who Can Apply

Eligible applicants include:

Primary agriculture or seafood producers;
Food and beverage processors;
Agriculture, food or beverage cooperatives; and
Recognized industry associations and councils.

To qualify, businesses must be based in B.C. and products must be grown or processed in the province. Applicants should have a clear plan for export market development and demonstrate how the project will support export growth.

What the Funding Supports

The program covers a range of eligible activities outside B.C. that support market development, such as:

Participation in export-focused trade shows, food fairs and sales exhibitions;
Development of marketing materials and advertising campaigns tailored to export markets;
Export market research and product adaptation planning; and
Activities that help build relationships with buyers and distributors in new regions.

Funding amounts vary by applicant type. Producers, processors and cooperatives may receive up to $50,000 per year (or 30 % of the previous year’s revenue, whichever is lower). Industry associations can access up to $75,000 per year.

More info and apply

February 6 2026

Bruhn Bridge Schedule Update

News

UPDATE ON R.W. BRUHN BRIDGE WORK — FEBRUARY SCHEDULE AND TRAFFIC IMPACTS

Work continues on the major R.W. Bruhn Bridge and approaches project along Highway 1 through Sicamous. This multi-year infrastructure project is replacing the aging two-lane bridge with a new four-lane structure and improving nearly 2 km of highway to support safer, more reliable travel in our region.

For February 2026 schedule click here, construction is active and traffic impacts are based on the planned closure schedule set by the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure:

Daytime Closures
• Daytime full closures of Highway 1 near the Bruhn Bridge location are scheduled daily from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
• When full closures are in effect, all through traffic between Sicamous and Salmon Arm is routed via Highway 97A and Highway 97B as the alternate route.
• Local traffic access within Sicamous (such as between downtown, Old Sicamous Road and Old Spallumcheen Road) is maintained on an hourly basis during closure windows, when safe to do so.

Night-Time Traffic Control
• Outside of daytime closure hours, single-lane alternating traffic may be in place at night, typically from around 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., to allow crews to continue work while keeping traffic moving.
• The highway is generally open for travel overnight and outside of full closure hours, though delays should be expected and drivers are urged to plan travel with extra time.

The bridge project’s winter work includes rock drilling and blasting near the existing bridge, construction of retaining walls and foundation work for the new structure. These activities are scheduled to take place during closures to protect the travelling public and construction crew safety.

Navigation and Access Notes
• When the highway is fully closed, the alternate Highway 97A/97B route remains the designated corridor for travel between Sicamous and Salmon Arm.
• Digital and static signage guides drivers on closures and detour information; GPS systems may not reflect many of the latest temporary changes, so relying on posted signs and DriveBC updates is recommended.

This project is a key priority for regional mobility and safety, and while traffic disruptions continue through February, the work being completed now will support long-term transportation improvements for Sicamous and the wider Shuswap.

October 15 2025

Welcome Jen Tirschman to the team!

News, Uncategorized

Staff update

We are excited to introduce our newest team member, Jen Tirschman! Jen recently moved to the area from Langley, where she was the administrator for the Langley Chamber of Commerce. As our new Member and Visitor Services Manager, Jen will now be the first point of contact for member and visitor inquiries.

If you’re stopping by the district office, please drop in and introduce yourself—or join us next Thursday, October 21, at the Small Business Week event we are hosting at SASCU. Jen is also looking forward to visiting your place of business in the coming months.

Please help us give Jen a warm welcome to the Sicamous Chamber!

July 23 2025

Sicamous Heritage Walking Tour

News

Thankyou Mayor Colleen Anderson and Trina Antoine representing Splatsin to cut the ribbon. We were joined by Chamber president Samantha Dunnett, museum representative Barb Davidson, Tammy Brown and Vreny Bieri from the Eagle Vally Arts Council and Ashta Funk who hosted our Dream Catcher workshop. Thank you to Adel & Dustin for hosting the Drumming Circles… to public works for installing the signs to Wally from 3sixty5designs for always delivering our signs on time the staff at the Visitors Centre and Hannah who worked tirelessly to complete this amazing project funded through Destination BC’s Enhanced Visitor Experience Grant. Visitors can now stroll around the community and learn about the rich history of Sicamous. Scan the QR code to explore a collection of historical and contemporary images of the site, accompanied by an audio narration that shares a captivating story about each location, offering a rich and immersive experience that connects the past and present.

March 13 2025

SHOP LOCAL

News

The District of Sicamous Chamber of Commerce has always supported SHOP LOCAL…that statement has never meant so much as it does right now.

The Canadian Chamber stated Across Canada, businesses are feeling the squeeze. Tariffs aren’t just disrupting trade — they’re driving up costs, stalling innovation, and putting jobs and long-term economic growth at risk. From manufacturing to agriculture, no sector is immune.

To understand the impact of the tariffs on individual communities, including Kamloops and Kelowna check the link below from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce website.

https://businessdatalab.ca/publications/which-canadian-cities-are-most-exposed-to-trumps-tariffs/

We need to ensure we protect our economy! Chambers represent business and our businesses need all of us to stand behind them now more than ever.

If you think 25 per cent tariffs only affects big business or larger communities, you are wrong. This will impact on every aspect of our lives in every community and in every family. We all need to do our part; we have all become adept at reading labels to check for ingredients and nutritional values, go one step further and check where it’s made.

The relationship we have had with the US as their biggest trading partner is no more, we have to start looking at other provinces and other options if we are to protect our own economy.

What can a small community like Sicamous do…we say whatever you can…continue to shop local, source local and encourage others to do the same. Investing local is investing in yourself. It may sound very rudimentary, but if every Chamber sent out this message across our province and across the country … then we have a call to action that stretches across our nation. We cannot rely on others to fix this, there is no going back so we need to do what we can to make sure we protect and strengthen the economies of our not only our community, but our region, our province and our Country.

This is an opportunity to strengthen relationships within our own country, interprovincial trade is now a very viable option and necessary to ensure the Canadian economy endures.

The Salmon Arm Chamber shared this with their residents….” be mindful of where products come from and consider the broader impact of supporting homegrown businesses” the District of Sicamous Chamber of Commerce echoes those sentiments as our communities are already bound together by logistics and need, please think before you buy!

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