NANAIMO – During its May 1 Council meeting, Nanaimo City Council endorsed a three-task process to establish an “in-house” economic development function. Steps to be taken immediately include:
- Forming an Economic Development Strategic Planning Committee to oversee the creation of an updated economic development strategy;
- Finalizing an economic development work plan for 2017; and
- Budget for and develop an adequately resourced Economic Development department.
Members of the community who are interested in participating in upcoming discussions pertaining to economic development in Nanaimo are encouraged to watch for announcements advertising opportunities to engage.
Similarly, members of the business community and local industry wishing to join the Mayor and two members of Council on the soon to be established Economic Development Strategic Planning Committee can put their names forward during a forthcoming call for membership.
Via the formation of an Economic Development Strategic Planning Committee chaired by the Mayor, work will now get underway to explore the structure and resources required to create an effective in-house model, starting with the creation of a new Economic Development Strategy.
As part of the City’s outreach and planning, the direct involvement of the following organizations will be sought: Nanaimo Airport, Chamber of Commerce, Regional District of Nanaimo, Snuneymuxw First Nation, Vancouver Island University and Community Futures.
Additional sector representation from transportation and warehousing, manufacturing, renewable energy, healthcare and education, tourism, technology, labour market, commercial real estate and construction is also strongly encouraged.
