Recovery
We help communities and industry respond to and recover from disruption, whether environmental, social, or economic. With empathy, data, and deep local engagement, we guide recovery efforts that address immediate needs while building a stronger, more resilient future.
Lytton & Region Economic Recovery Plan – Rebuilding Hope and Resilience
Following the devastating 2021 wildfire that destroyed approximately 90% of the Village of Lytton, O’Leary & Associates was engaged to develop a comprehensive Economic Recovery Plan to help guide the community and surrounding region toward a sustainable future. Through extensive community engagement, stakeholder interviews, business surveys, and detailed economic impact assessments, our team identified the critical challenges facing residents and businesses, including nearly $28 million in estimated direct business losses, significant insurance shortfalls, housing shortages, and barriers to rebuilding. We translated these findings into a practical, evidence-based recovery strategy outlining immediate, medium-term, and long-term priorities for economic revitalization. Central to our approach was the recognition that meaningful recovery requires collaboration between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, government agencies, businesses, and residents. More than simply a recovery plan, this project provided a community-informed roadmap for rebuilding livelihoods, restoring economic confidence, strengthening partnerships, and creating a more resilient future for Lytton and the surrounding region.
Economic Recovery and Impact of the Elephant Hill Wildfire
This project included: Project management, development and delivery of a communication strategy, coordination and administration of a project team and project partners which included the TNRD, the Ministry of FLNRORD, Emergency Management BC, the Canadian Red Cross, the United Way, Interior Health, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association and multiple Community Futures offices.
Active engagement of the business community affected by the 2017 wildfire season in the TNRD was accomplished through in-person meetings, community engagement sessions and an active marketing campaign (12 facilitated sessions in 8 different municipalities). During this process over 495 businesses were engaged in this region.
Digital Economy: Rapid Response + Resiliency (DER3) – Supporting Economic Recovery Through Innovation
In response to the unprecedented economic challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic, O’Leary & Associates partnered with Kamloops Innovation to lead the regional delivery of the Digital Economy: Rapid Response + Resiliency (DER3) program across British Columbia’s Central Interior. Spanning more than 80,000 square kilometres, this ambitious economic recovery initiative helped small and medium-sized businesses adapt, survive, and position themselves for long-term growth through digital transformation. Our team coordinated a collaborative network of regional economic development organizations, business advisors, and technology specialists to deliver personalized business assessments, digital strategies, expert guidance, and connections to specialized service providers. The program attracted 152 business applications from 27 communities, helping businesses identify new markets, strengthen their online presence, embrace e-commerce, and build greater resilience in an increasingly digital economy. The initiative demonstrated exceptional participant satisfaction, with 100% of surveyed businesses indicating they would recommend the program. More than an immediate response to an economic crisis, DER3 demonstrated how strategic partnerships, innovation, and practical business support can accelerate economic recovery, strengthen regional competitiveness, and create lasting opportunities for communities and businesses.