With lands that are blessed by some of Canada’s most stunning scenery and best weather, it’s no surprise that the Osoyoos Indian Band’s (OIB) economic development efforts have been largely focused on tourism.

The jewel in the crown is NK’MIP, a four-star destination resort located on the desert benchlands overlooking Osoyoos Lake. Adjacent to the largest remaining tract of natural desert in Canada, NK’MIP features Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort & Spa, award-winning NK’MIP Cellars Winery (North America’s first Aboriginal-owned winery), Sonora Dunes golf course overlooking Osoyoos Lake, NK’MIP RV & Campground on the shores of Osoyoos Lake, and NK’MIP Desert Cultural Centre, an $8.5 million centre that celebrates the history, legends and culture of the Osoyoos Indian Band.

Since 2006, the Band has also had a small equity position in the Mount Baldy ski resort near Osoyoos, thanks to an historic agreement with the province and Mount Baldy Ski Corporation.

The creation of the Osoyoos Indian Band Development Corporation in 1998 has helped to facilitate these business development activities, says COO Chris Scott. All of the Band’s companies are wholly subsidiaries of the corporation, says Scott, adding, “it’s just a much more effective way to operate businesses.”

The OIB currently manages businesses with annual budgets in excess of $l7 million and administers its own health, social, educational and municipal services. And it is about to embark on a major new undertaking that it hopes will be a significant employment generator for both the Band and the region.

“We’re now finalizing plans for the Senkulmen Enterprise Park, a light industrial/commercial business park at the north end of the reserve near Oliver,” says Scott. “On completion the development is expected to produce 500-plus manufacturing and supporting jobs, most of which we hope will go to Band members.”

The Park will bring a diversity of jobs and increased revenues, thereby ensuring long-term funding for all OIB programs, adds Chief Clarence Louie. “The Senkulmen Enterprise Park has the potential to be the biggest source of jobs and revenues for OIB.”

Plans call for a 207-acre park, with 112 acres dedicated to commercial activity leaving 95 acres as an ecological conservation zone. “Our project goal is to deliver one of the most environmentally sustainable commercial park developments in Canada,” says Scott.

Senkulmen Enterprise Park will take approximately 10-20 years to build-out and accommodate 30-40 tenants. Vincor, the world’s largest wine conglomerate, is the lead tenant and the company’s 75,000-square-foot expansion is considered a first phase (previously designated) with over 225,000 square feet of building space generating over $1 million in lease revenue annually to OIB.

Scott says the development corporation is now actively looking for new tenants for the site. “The designation vote passed and we are hoping for an opening sometime in 2010,” he notes.

• Civil
• Smart
• On-topic
• Free from profanity

All participants will register for an account. It's simple, takes seconds and will keep our comments free of trolls, cranks, and drive-by commenters.

As a community site, we ask that the community help by using the "Flag" button on each comment if they feel a comment has violated these rules. You can also use the 'up and down' arrows on each comment to voice your opinion about that particular comment.