The most effective and longest-lasting solutions to problems are often found when all angles of the issue are considered and those affected have a say.

This is why Community Futures East Kootenay’s (CFEK) Innovate for Impact program is inviting four Kootenay communities to come together for a single, high-energy day of collaborative problem-solving.

The first Regional Social Hackathon will take place on Saturday, September 26, in Cranbrook, Golden, Grand Forks and Nelson.

“When solutions are shaped by the people who see the challenges in their community every day, they’re more likely to reflect local realities and be successful in the long run,” said Robyn Peel, CED Manager with CFEK. “People already hold the knowledge, experience, and relationships needed to address their local challenges. This hackathon creates the space for them to come together and turn ideas into practical concepts.”

Each of the four communities has chosen a specific challenge to focus on that reflects its own priorities.

Golden will explore transportation, Cranbrook and the Boundary will focus on food, and Nelson will tackle childcare.

Community champions in each of the locations will be hosting the hands-on events, leading local residents, organizations, businesses, and community leaders in developing practical, action-oriented solutions they can carry forward together.

“What makes this different from a workshop or a panel discussion is that participants aren’t simply discussing community challenges. They’re actively developing ideas, testing possibilities, and building practical responses,” Peel emphasizes. By the end of the day, local teams will have tangible concepts and shared momentum, creating a stronger foundation for continued community action.

While every location focuses on its own priority through in-person meetings, participants from all four communities are part of a larger regional movement happening simultaneously across the Kootenays. They will get a chance to connect virtually throughout the day, sharing ideas, inspiration and progress across the region.

Anyone interested in being part of shaping what’s next, whether they are a resident, student, nonprofit leader, business owner, municipal representative, or simply someone who cares about the community, is asked to register for the one-day even in their community on September 26 through a link on the website at www.cfek.ca.

Whether it’s through lived experience, professional expertise, or care for the community, everyone’s perspective has a place at the table.

CFEK is delivering Innovate for Impact in collaboration with Impact Toolbox. The project is made possible with support from the Government of B.C. and the Ministry of Jobs and Economic Growth through a Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program (REDIP) grant.

CFEK file photo

Community Futures East Kootenay

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