The six strategic priorities, outlined below, also include two integrated priorities—climate resilience and working with Indigenous peoples—to be incorporated by the Trust in its work in the Basin.
Read the Columbia Basin Management Plan Strategic Priorities 2020-2022.
To the people of the Basin, We are pleased to share with you the strategic plan that will guide how the Trust supports your efforts to strengthen social, economic and environmental well-being in the Basin over the next two years. The Trust is guided by your input, and during these challenging times, we appreciate that so many people found the time to share their thoughts and perspectives with us as we developed this plan – thank you. We look forward to addressing the priorities set out in this plan, in collaboration with residents and communities. It must be acknowledged that circumstances in the Basin will change and evolve over the next two years, both in ways we can and cannot predict. We commit to communicating with you, and to being flexible and responsive to the needs of Basin communities as we implement the plan. We very much hope that you provide us feedback on our progress, and offer advice on how we can best deliver benefits to this region. This year is the Trust’s 25th anniversary and while aspects of 2020 have been challenging for all of us, the Basin has accomplished so much. While global challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic or climate change seem daunting or insurmountable at times, working alongside people in the Basin reminds us of our collective strength and capacity to affect meaningful change together. Your efforts over the last 25 years have made the Basin a better place to live, work and play. With cooperation, care for this place and all of its people, we’ll continue to support the vibrancy and well-being for present and future generations. Thank you. Columbia Basin Trust is governed by the Columbia Basin Trust Act and our work is guided by the Columbia Basin Management Plan, which includes: The Trust supports efforts by the people of the Basin to create a legacy of social, economic, and environmental well-being and to achieve greater self-sufficiency for present and future generations. The Trust serves the region consisting of all the watersheds that flow into the Columbia River in Canada and operates in the traditional territories of the Ktunaxa, Lheidli T’enneh, Secwepemc, Sinixt and Syilx Nations. This region is also home to six Métis Nation BC Chartered Communities. The diverse cultures, histories, knowledge and governance systems of Indigenous Peoples are integral parts of life in the Basin. The Trust respects the deep relationship Indigenous Peoples in this region have to the land and resources, and recognizes their important historical and contemporary presence. View the full map here. Given the significant and evolving impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Trust developed this short-term plan for 2020-2022. Basin residents care deeply about the environment and the impacts of climate change. Climate change is a complex issue that will continue to intensify without collective, coordinated efforts from all levels of society locally and globally. Recognizing that changes in environmental conditions affect all facets of life, the Trust will apply climate resilience considerations in delivering on this plan. Some of the priorities in the plan are broad. The Trust will work with Basin residents to develop specific approaches to achieving the priorities and will share progress updates with Basin residents. Throughout the term of this plan, the Trust will continue to fulfill its Mission to foster the social, economic and environmental well-being of the Basin. The strategic priorities identified in this plan will be a focus for new programming and initiatives for the 2020-2022 time period. In addition, many other existing supports will continue to be available consistent with this broader Mission. In addition to the values outlined in the Trust’s Charter and for the duration of this plan, the Trust will be guided by the following principles: Flexible: Recognizing that needs for support in the Basin are diverse, and that communities are unique, the Trust’s approach will be flexible, with varying levels of support as required. Focused: The Trust’s efforts will be focused to maximize impact in areas identified as priorities in the Basin Respectful: The Trust treats people with respect, honouring the rich and diverse cultures in the Basin and recognizing Indigenous rights, presence and importance. Responsive: The Trust recognizes the changing landscape in the Basin and beyond and will remain adaptive and agile in supporting emerging issues. Value Added: As the Basin’s needs will be significant, Trust support will not displace any level of government support, nor decrease the likelihood of support from other sources to address Basin needs. Over the next two years we will focus on the following six strategic priorities: community well-being, ecosystem enhancement, high-speed connectivity, housing, local food production and access, and support for business renewal. In addition, the integrated priorities of climate resilience and working with Indigenous Peoples will be incorporated throughout the Trust’s work in the Basin. Enable communities to achieve their unique aspirations with flexible and proactive support from the Trust. Objectives Desired Outcomes Maintain and improve ecological health and native biodiversity in a variety of ecosystems. Objectives Desired Outcomes Increase reliable, affordable, high-speed connectivity in the Basin with an emphasis on underserved rural areas. Objectives Desired Outcomes Increase housing stock to help address availability and affordability of housing in the Basin. Objectives Desired Outcomes Increase Basin residents’ access to foods that are locally produced and processed. Objectives Desired Outcomes Businesses are resilient to recent challenges, able to adapt, expand their operations and employ Basin residents. Objectives Desired Outcomes
Message from Board Chair and CEO
Who We Are
Our Mandate
Our Mission
Columbia Basin Trust Region
Our Approach
Guiding Principles
Strategic Priorities
Community Well-being
Ecosystem Enhancement
High-speed Connectivity
Housing
Local Food Production and Access
Support for Business Renewal