Ecosystem Enhancement & Restoration Project Idea Workshop: Invermere
2026-04-15 09:00 - 13:00 UTC
Columbia Basin Trust invites proponents to submit eligible restoration and enhancement project ideas of all sizes from across the Columbia Basin.

As part of the Ecosystem Enhancement Program, we’re hosting four in-person workshops to support project ideas at every stage, from early concepts to more developed proposals:

Get oriented with the Ecosystem Enhancement Program and project idea submission process

Share and explore restoration and enhancement project ideas

Identify potential partners, tools, and resources to strengthen projects

Understand next steps toward potential Trust support.

Whether you’re bringing a project idea or hoping to contribute your expertise, we welcome your participation.Register below for an ecosystem enhancement and/or restoration project idea, or if you’re interested in collaborating or contributing to a project:Invermere: April 15, 2026, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm MT. REGISTER HERE.

Non-profit Webinar: Non-Profits and Employment Standards
2026-05-06 12:00 - 13:30 (America/Los_Angeles)
What crucial element of employment law should non-profit leaders be aware of? This session will cover key human resource and employment standards lessons for board members and management staff. We will discuss how the law treats various categories of personnel that typically support a non-profit (e.g., volunteers, contractors and permanent staff), their rights, and employer obligations.Presenter Jonathan Arkle is a lawyer with Doak Shirreff Lawyers LLP in Kelowna and specializes in employment and human resource law. The information shared during this webinar is for educational purposes and is not considered legal advice or guidance.

Speaker: Jonathan ArkleDate: May 6, 2026Time: 12:00 – 1:30 pm PTZoom registration link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/_JcYHPqcTf2c9Nk-AOc3KQ

Application Deadline: Non-profit SMART Grants
2026-05-13 15:00 (America/Denver)
Non-Profit SMART Grants support Basin non-profits and First Nations to increase their energy efficiency, generate renewable energy, adapt to the impacts of climate change, and/or reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.For more information visit, ourtrust.org/npsmart.

Expression of Interest Deadline: Ecosystem Enhancement Program
2026-05-22 15:00 (America/Denver)
Ecosystem Enhancement Program is a two-stage application process. First, an online Expression of Interest (EOI) must be submitted. Second, if the project is selected to move forward, a full application must be developed for submission. Support and guidance from Trust staff or a program advisor will be provided to develop the full application. The EOI deadline is May 22, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. PT / 3:00 p.m. MT. If selected to move forward, the applicant will receive confirmation from the Trust by July 9, 2026. Then, the Trust will request the applicant to submit a full application, due on or before October 22, 2026. Visit: Ecosystem Enhancement Program – Columbia Basin Trust

Sponsored Events June
2026-06-01
June 6 – Mountain Paradise Show n’ Shine, RevelstokeThe annual Mountain Paradise Show ‘n’ Shine, with 250 entries of vintage vehicles, will be celebrated on June 6, 2026, in Revelstoke.

June 6 – 2026 Business Excellence Awards Gala, RosslandThe Trail & District Chamber of Commerce will celebrate local businesses of all sizes and sectors at the annual Business Excellence Awards on June 6, 2026 in Rossland.

June 6 – Marysville Daze, KimberleyThe Mark Creek Lions Club is hosting the annual Marysville Daze on June 6, 2026. This free, family friendly event has been going since 1952 and includes a pancake breakfast, free kids events and market and take place at Lions Park in Marysville.

June 7 – Fauquier CARES Community Celebration and Plant Swap, Area K Fauquier The Fauquier CARES Community Celebration & Plant Swap is a free, full-day event on June 7, 2026, at the Fauquier pavilion. The morning will feature a community plant swap and garden giveaway, followed by an afternoon BBQ celebrating Fauquier CARES’ third anniversary in partnership with the Fauquier Volunteer Fire Brigade.

June 7 – Whatshan Lake Kids Fishing Derby, Area KThe Lower Arrow Lakes Conservation Association will host an annual Whatshan Lake Kids Fishing Derby on June 6, 2026. This event is centered on supporting all children to experience the fun of fishing while also removing invasive species from Whatshan Lake.

June 12 to 14 – Coal Miner Days, Sparwood The Sparwood Coal Miner Days Society is hosting the Annual Coal Miner Days Celebration in Sparwood from June 12-14, This year’s event will include a parade, bouncy castles, face painting, a market, baseball tournament and other free family events.

June 13 – Golden Pride Festival, GoldenThe Golden Pride Society will host their 2026 Pride Celebration at Spirit Square on June 13, 2026, with local artists and performers.

June 14 – Trail Air Cadets 75th Annual Ceremonial Review, TrailOn June 14, 2026 the 531 City of Trail Air Cadets will celebrate their 75th anniversary by welcoming the public, along with past and present cadets, to a community celebration and Annual Ceremonial Review in Trail.

June 17 – World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Picnic, KimberleyThe Summit Community Services Society is hosting a community picnic to promote World Elder Abuse Awareness Day at Lions Park in Marysville on June 17th, 2026. The gathering will unite participants, volunteers, and staff to strengthen public engagement in prevention initiatives.

June 19 to 21 – Cruisin’ the Columbia Car Show, TrailThe West Kootenay Smoke N’ Steel Auto Club will host their annual Cruisin’ The Columbia Car Show in Trail from June 19-21, 2026, with auto enthusiasts from around the region displaying a large cross-section of classic and collectible vehicles.

June 21 – 2026 National Indigenous Peoples Day, TrailThe Kootenay South Metis Society will host a community event at Gyro Park in Trail on June 21, 2026 to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day. The event includes a local story teller, craft vendors, fry bread, bannock, live drummers and dancers, and bison burgers from the Society’s new food trailer.

June 21 – 47th Annual Cranbrook Firefighters Fishing Clinic, Cranbrook The Cranbrook Firefighters Association is hosting its 47th annual Fishing Clinic at Idlewild Lake on June 21, 2026, to encourage family unity and outdoor recreation in our community.

June 26 – IRIS Weekly Socials, CastlegarThe BC Association of Community Response Networks will host weekly IRIS Socials to decrease isolation of seniors by offering an opportunity to gather with peers, discuss seniors’ issues and supports, and enjoy healthy snacks in Castlegar, April through June 2026.

June 26 – Yahk-Kingsgate Volunteer Fire Department 20th Anniversary Celebration, YahkThe Yahk-Kingsgate Volunteer Fire Department will host a free community celebration on June 26, 2026 to commemorate their 20th anniversary, including family-friendly games, fire safety education, food and drinks.

June 27 – Wardner Fishing Forever, WardnerThe BC Wildlife Federation is hosting the annual Fishing Forever event in Wardner on June 27, 2026, allowing individuals with diverse abilities to experience a day of catch and release fishing. All the fishing equipment will be provided, along with lunch.

June 27 – Little Stewards Farm Day, SalmoLittle Stewards Farm Day is a free, family friendly event on June 27, 2026 at Pend d’Oreille River Ranch near Salmo. Children and families will get to explore the garden, meet animals, and take part in hands-on activities that promote outdoor learning, community connection, and caring for the land.

June 28 – Wildcat Days, ElkfordThe District of Elkford’s Wildcat Days is the community’s signature annual festival, celebrating its mountain spirit and strong local pride from June 26-28, 2026. The multi-day event includes a parade, live entertainment, family activities, and sporting events.

Online Community Meeting: Ecosystem Enhancement Program
2026-06-02
More information coming soon.

Nakusp Office Grand Opening
2026-06-10 11:00 - 16:00 (America/Denver)
Join us as we celebrate the opening of our new Nakusp office—an important step in strengthening our long-term presence and connection in the community.Drop in anytime, come tour the space, learn about our work and help us mark this exciting milestone. Date: Wednesday, June 10 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Location: 83 Nelson Ave N., Nakusp Free BBQ Lunch: 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Ribbon Cutting Ceremony: 12:30 p.m.

Everyone is welcome. We hope to see you there!Event information: Nakusp Office Grand Opening – You’re Invited!

Application Deadline: Farm SOLAR Grants
2026-06-24 14:00 (America/Denver)
Farm Solar Grants support primary food producers to install ground or structure mounted solar photovoltaic arrays to generate electricity for their farm operations. These grants help make local food production more affordable by reducing energy costs. Eligible applicants include Food Producers in the Columbia Basin Trust region (ourtrust.org/map) that grow grains, vegetables, fruit or forage, produce honey, or raise livestock for meat, dairy, or eggs.

Farm Solar Grants – Columbia Basin Trust

Application Deadline: BEAMS Program
2026-06-25 14:00 (America/Denver)
The Building Enhancement and Asset Management Support (BEAMS) Program supports non-profits and First Nation communities to strengthen and revitalize community serving buildings, affordable rental housing buildings and licensed child care facilities that they own and operate.

Through BEAMS, you can receive support for:

A complete structural condition assessment

Asset management plans

Critical upgrades on community-serving buildings, affordable rental housing buildings and licensed child care facilities.

Building Enhancement and Asset Management Support (BEAMS) Program – Columbia Basin Trust

Sponsored Events July
2026-07-01
July 1 – Canada Day Celebrations, Silverton The Silverton Community Club will host its annual Canada Day celebration with a weekend of activities for the entire family to enjoy in Silverton park.

July 3 to 5 – Fun Field Festival, WardnerThe Fun Field Festival Foundation is hosting the 2026 Fun Field Festival from July 3-July 5, 2026. The event is a community, family friendly, music, arts & wellness festival held at the Wardner Community Park.

Columbia Basin Art Tour
2026-08-08 10:00 - 2026-08-09 16:00 (America/Denver)
Presented by West Kootenay Arts Council.

Each year, the Columbia Basin Art tour invites you to:

meet people behind the scenes at galleries and museums

visit studios and venues not normally open to the public

shop for original art or fine crafts

enjoy special events.

Self-directed and free of charge, the tour features the work of skilled local artists and fascinating cultural and heritage sites.

For more information visit Culture Tour – West Kootenay Regional Arts Council

Full Application Deadline: Ecosystem Enhancement Program
2026-10-22
Ecosystem Enhancement Program is a two-stage application process. First, an online Expression of Interest (EOI) must be submitted. Second, if the project is selected to move forward, a full application must be developed for submission. Support and guidance from Trust staff or a program advisor will be provided to develop the full application. The EOI deadline is May 22, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. PT / 3:00 p.m. MT. If selected to move forward, the applicant will receive confirmation from the Trust by July 9, 2026. Then, the Trust will request the applicant to submit a full application, due on or before October 22, 2026.Visit: Ecosystem Enhancement Program – Columbia Basin Trust

Basin Food & Buyer Expo (FABx)
2026-11-05 - 2026-11-06
The Basin Food & Buyers Expo (FABx) is the Columbia Basin’s premier annual gathering for food producers, processors and buyers. It is a spark for new partnerships, fresh ideas and a stronger regional food systems. This year’s event will take place over two days in Kimberley, BC.
