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Socio-Economic
Montage
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Valemount &
Area Economic Development Strategy
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Authored
by: Valemount Economic Development
Committee
Commissioned
by:
Village of Valemount
Prince George Region Development Corporation
Ministry of Small Business, Tourism and Culture
July 1994
Location
of Publication:
"Columbia Basin Trust Collection"
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This report summarizes the process
which led to the creation of a comprehensive Economic Development
Strategic Plan for the community of Valemount, British Columbia.
The strategic plan itself defines key issues, missions, and priorities
as well as action plans for economic development initiatives. The
process of developing the strategy began in December 1994 and included
the following components:
A Discussion
Paper - An assessment of the current
situation to draw out the critical issues which the plan should
address. It provides an overview of key issues and trends, and
provides background information on Valemount's present situation.
A Community
Survey - This is a compilation of the
community opinions on development opportunities, growth options
and visions for the area.
Planning Workshops
- Key stakeholders in the community examined
the current situation and formulated an Economic Development Strategy,
designating the appropriate organizational structure to carry
it out.
The resulting strategic plan includes
initiatives in the areas of:
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Beautification
and Revitalization - The enhancement
of Valemount's image, amenities, and infrastructure to produce
a more desirable place to live and visit. |
The image of Valemount is important
to community spirit and tourism development. The issue of image
and beautification has been a community concern for some time.
The aim is to improve the general appearance of the community
while displaying a sincere sense of pride in the community. Overall
clean streets, inviting store fronts and private residences that
reflect the owners' pride in living in the community, all have
a role to play in creating a favorable impact upon first time
visitors.
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Enhancing
Educational Opportunities and Communication Technology
- The development and enhancement of
Valemount's educational opportunities, information and technology
to prepare for the 21st century. |
The information-based economy
implies a reliance upon information and information technology
for competitiveness. Enhanced educational opportunities will develop
the knowledge and skills of the local population, provide access
to technology and information, and allow Valemount and area to
be competitive. Valemount has to strengthen its links to education
and knowledge resources, and develop the skills of the local labour
force, if it is to attract business and individuals for the future.
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Developing
the Tourism Base - The development
and enhancement of Valemount's tourist attractions, infrastructure,
hospitality and marketing to create a preferred destination. |
The area is developing a reputation
for providing excellent natural facilities for soft and rugged
adventure activities and natural environment/wildlife viewing
opportunities. Valemount has an excellent location near Mount
Robson Provincial Park and Jasper and Banff National Parks with
a supply of quality, yet reasonably priced accommodation. The
tourism sector has high growth potential and opportunities should
be developed to enhance the local amenities and attractions in
an effort to increase the length of stay of tourists, attract
new tourists to the region and attract overflow from Jasper National
Park congestion.
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Supporting
Secondary Industry Through Business Development -
The promotion and development of business opportunities to
create a vibrant and diverse local economy. |
Business opportunities should
be developed which complement the tourism sector and lead to diversification
in the forestry sector. Diversification of the secondary industries
should be promoted to the local and non-local population. The
opportunities, as well as the support services and resources available
for business ventures, should be promoted and aimed at enhancing
the entrepreneurial spirit in our business community.
During the planning workshops,
participants indicated that a more effective organizational structure
should be looked at to meet the needs and goals of the Community.
A "restructuring" steering committee was formed with
members from the Village Council and staff, the Economic Development
Committee, the Chamber of Commerce, the Ministry of Small Business,
Tourism and Culture and the Prince George Region Development Corporation.
The new structure would have a broader mandate and represent the
whole region, giving more responsibility to the Regional District
to participate in its area of Small River to Albreda.
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