About
The Similkameen Valley Planning Society (SVPS) supports tourism as part of its overall economic and community development mandate. The society has membership from both municipal governments (Princeton and Keremeos) and regional government. This includes the Regional District Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) areas B, G and H, and the Lower Similkameen Indian Band.
The Similkameen Valley is the ancestral, traditional and unceded territory of the Syilx Nation, and is home to the Upper Similkameen Indian Band—the Similamix People—and the Lower Similkameen Indian Band—the Smelqmix People.
- SVPS Chair: Regional District Okanagan Similkameen Area G Director, Keremeos Rural/Hedley, Tim Roberts Email
- SVPS Vice Chair: Town of Princeton, Spencer Coyne, Mayor
- SVPS Past Chair: Village of Keremeos, Jason Wiebe, Mayor
- SVPS Director: Village of Keremeos, Garry Elliott, Councillor
- SVPS Director: Regional District Okanagan Similkameen Area B Director, Cawston, George Bush
- SVPS Director: Regional District Okanagan Similkameen Area H Director, Manning Park, Bob Coyne
- SVPS Director: Lower Similkameen Indian Band, (LSIB) Keith Crow, Chief
The Area
The Similkameen Valley is located in the southern interior of British Columbia, extending from Richter Pass in the east to the Similkameen River’s headwaters in Manning Park in the west. Primary access is along Highway 3 (Crowsnest). The Similkameen Valley is part of the Thompson Okanagan region of British Columbia, and Similkameen Country is the gateway to the Okanagan Valley and the Kootenay Rockies.
Communities, Parks and Hamlets include:
Cawston
Hedley
Eastgate
Princeton
Chopaka
Keremeos
Manning Park
Tulameen
Coalmont
Olalla
Upper Similkameen Indian Band
Lower Similkameen Indian Band
CONTACT Tourism Services Manager
Tourism Services for the Similkameen Valley brand are provided by Carlysle & Co. contact Simone Carlysle-Smith, Tourism Services Manager, Similkameen Valley Planning Society. Direct at 250-575-7247 or email support@similkameenvalley.com
MESSAGES FROM Similkameen Valley Planning Society
There is so much to be excited about. The rugged natural beauty of our valley and its endless possibilities for families, businesses and visitors is exciting. Collaborating to protect what we have while enhancing and preparing for a happy, healthy tomorrow.
Tim Roberts, RDOS Area G, Chair Similkameen Valley Planning Society Email chair@similkameenvalley.com
I am excited to be working collaboratively with our Similkameen neighbours. By working together, we strengthen our valley and celebrate our uniqueness from other regions of the province. We work together to showcase why the Similkameen is the best place to live, play, and work.
Spencer Coyne, Mayor of Princeton and Vice Chair, Similkameen Valley Planning Society
The SVPS allows me to represent all groups and organizations in our area. Agriculture is our biggest industry. The Similkameen River is our biggest resource. I am proud to represent Cawston Rural. This area runs from Keremeos rural south to the USA border. It excludes the area of the Lower Similkameen Indian Band.
George Bush, RDOS Area B, Secretary / Treasurer, Similkameen Valley Planning Society
Come and play in the Similkameen sunshine, summer or winter. Come bike and cross-country ski at China Ridge Trails. Get out and hike in the alpine in our provincial parks. We are a very rural area with Manning Park at our western boundary. We have some of the best hiking trails in the province, including the Hudson Bay Brigade historic trail.
Bob Coyne, RDOS Area H
I have had the privilege of living in many of the beautiful areas around BC, but the Similkameen is the area my family has put down roots. It is a privilege to serve as a member of the SVPS and to showcase the incredible diversity and opportunities present in our area, and the variety of experiences offered from the valley bottoms to the vast mountain peaks. Stop on by, you never know what you might discover.
Past Chair, Similkameen Valley Planning Society and Mayor, Keremeos, BC, Jason Wiebe
