The Boundary Economic Action Team is a loosely organized organization formed of members from all political stripes. We came together with the common purpose of enriching and maintaining economic opportunities within the Boundary area of British Columbia. We believe that by working together towards the same goals we could use our individual connections and influence to make things happen.

Our first task was to identify the priorities the area needed to address. Our priorities included twenty four hour airport access, also to acquire fast reliable Internet and business communication access for all areas of the Boundary. During our discussions we discovered that decisions about the allocation government spending for economic development in the area were made outside the Boundary area. Gaining Boundary control of regional economic development funds became an emergent priority.  Another issue that emerged soon after our formation was the need to lobby for the  maintenance of the US Federal Highways designation on US Highway # 395.

To this date we have been very successful in our efforts. The Regional District established the Boundary Economic Development Commission. This is a official body that decides on how economic development money is spent. BEAT members sit as representatives on this commission. The City is making the necessary upgrades to the airport to allow twenty four hour access. Our Community has Cable access and fast dial up access to the Internet. BC-Tel is currently making major upgrades to the switching system to allow full telephone service packages to be offered to the Boundary. The initial decision by the US Dept of Highways was to keep the Federal designation for Highway # 395.

We were successful in all of our original objectives. We must continue to network to keep on top of issues that affect the economic health of our region. A current issue that is emerging is about a decreasing level of funding for Boundary Hospital. BEAT members should be aware of this issue and again work through their scope of influence to make sure our region gets it's fair share. If we don't ask for what is rightfully ours, others will be glad to claim it.