In this section, we highlight precedent case studies—real-world examples that demonstrate what’s possible when people come together to transform shared spaces.
These projects offer valuable lessons and inspiration as we imagine the future of Slocan’s mill site. From revitalized industrial lands to vibrant community hubs, each example shows a different path forward—grounded in local values, environmental stewardship, and long-term vision.
Featured Projects
Radium Hot Springs Centre
The Radium Hot Springs Centre is located in the heart of the village overlooking Legends Field. The centre is a 1,272…
Somass Lands – City of Port Alberni
Port Alberni is set to reclaim its waterfront with the signing of the Somass Lands master development agreement between…
Slocan’s Waterfront Commons: A Podcast Miniseries
Shorefast has a big question: How can we create an economy in service of nature and culture
—in service of place? The answer seems to lie in grounding economies in the local community, and building on the natural and human assets of a place. Listen in as we interview Susan Cull to learn more about the ABCD and PLACE frameworks for building something amazing.
Read more about Fogo Island Inn online: https://fogoislandinn.ca/our-inn/our-radical-approach/
Learn about the Inn’s regenerative practices: https://fogoislandinn.ca/our-inn/our-radical-approach/regenerative-practices/
Join us as we interview Clara Reinhardt, former mayor of Radium Hot Springs. She takes us on a tour of the Radium Hot Springs Centre to showcase the hard work that went into this project. That hard work has paid off, and the community now has a beautiful gathering space which is a focal point for the community.
Get Inspired
Town of Sidney
In 2016 the Town of Sidney embarked on a visioning process with the community to create a series of…
Splatsin Community Centre
The Splatsin Centre is a carefully crafted 33,581 square foot building that merges the rich history…
Town of Ladysmith
This is an important plan. It sets forth a vision for the Waterfront Area, guiding change that will…
District of Summerland
Based on the 2018 Parks and Recreation Master Plan, the Plan will set the direction for park land,…
City of Quesnel
This project establishes a Quesnel Waterfront Plan (QWP) for eight kilometres of waterfront in the…
City of Portland
Inspired by the 2017 concept plan prepared by Stantec, the pop-up park and outdoor waterfront…
Somass Lands – City of Port Alberni
Port Alberni is set to reclaim its waterfront with the signing of the Somass Lands master…
Think Outside the Box
A pan-Canadian initiative dedicated to advancing place-based community economic development. Shorefast’s Community Economies Pilot aimed to answer the question, “How do we strengthen community economies?” with the goal of determining how to shift local economies in service of place.
Learn more online: https://shorefast.org/community-economies-pilot/
Zita Cobb is founder and CEO of Shorefast and innkeeper of the Fogo Island Inn. Zita Cobb spoke at The Walrus Talks Connections, on Sept. 18 in Ottawa.
Watch the video: Zita Cobb – Crisis of Belonging
Now more than ever we need strong local economies. The choices we make – both as individuals and businesses – have a direct impact on the economic health of the places we live, work, and play.
At Shorefast, we have developed the practice of “Economic Nutrition” and pioneered a label to show where the money goes. Strengthening local economies goes beyond checking “Buy Canada” lists. Here are five ways we can act today.
Learn more online: Economic Nutrition for the Places We Live