What Is ERAP
ERAP is a Regional Economic Disruption Transition Recovery Rebuilding Plan
The South Kootenay Regional Economic Resilience Action Plan (ERAP) is a coordinated, action-ready framework designed to help the region prepare for, respond to, and recover from economic disruption.
Economic disruptions can take many forms. They may result from natural disasters such as floods or wildfires, public health emergencies, infrastructure failures, major employer disruptions, or broader economic downturns. ERAP provides a structured way for the region to respond quickly, work collaboratively, and support businesses, workers, and communities when those disruptions occur.
Unlike a traditional economic development plan, ERAP is not a growth strategy or a policy document. It is an operational resilience framework—focused on coordination, communication, and practical action during periods of disruption and recovery.
From Planning to Activation
The original ERAP was developed through regional collaboration and community engagement beginning in 2020. It is a living, maintained system that can be activated when needed. ERAP is designed to be activated quickly, scaled appropriately to the situation, and demobilized once recovery objectives are met.It emphasizes:
- Clear leadership and governance
- Defined roles and responsibilities
- Standing Action Groups with pre-identified mandates
- Rapid activation protocols
- Integration with emergency management and local governments
- Ongoing readiness, not just crisis response
A Regional, Collaborative Approach
ERAP operates at a regional scale, recognizing that economic disruption does not stop at municipal boundaries. The plan is supported by a broad network of partners, including:
- Local and regional governments
- Economic development and business support organizations
- Emergency management agencies
- Workforce, social service, and community organizations
- Industry and business representatives
The plan is stewarded and maintained by Community Futures South Kootenay, working in collaboration with regional partners and Action Group leads.
This collaborative structure allows ERAP to bridge the space between emergency response (focused on life safety and property) and economic recovery (focused on businesses, employment, and long-term community stability).
What ERAP Does (and Does Not Do)
ERAP provides the structure that allows existing organizations and tools to work together effectively when it matters most.
ERAP does:
- Coordinate regional economic response and recovery efforts
- Activate Action Groups with clear mandates
- Support businesses with timely information and navigation support
- Align economic response with emergency management systems
- Improve preparedness before disruptions occur
ERAP does not:
- Replace emergency management authorities
- Duplicate day-to-day business support services
- Function as a grant or funding program on its own
- Act as a long-term economic growth strategy
How This Website Fits In
BizDAP.ca serves as the public-facing platform for the South Kootenay Regional ERAP. During non-emergency periods, it supports preparedness, awareness, and coordination. During activation, it becomes a central hub for accurate information, business resources, and updates. The pages that follow explain:
- How ERAP is structured
- How and when it is activated
- What Action Groups do
- How organizations and individuals can get involved
