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NOTE: This article is now archived.
The Pincher Creek Community Economic Development Strategy (CEDS)
November 31, 2021The Pincher Creek Community Economic Development Strategy (CEDS)
Update – November 2021
Project Objective
The main goal of the economic development strategy is to improve the long-term economic well-being of the community. The strategies in the report prepared by InnoVisions & Associates consulting identifies the best ways to utilize our community assets and advantages to support the existing business community, create jobs, retain businesses, encourage new business investment and ultimately enhance our quality of life.
The Pincher Creek CEDS Process
Research started in the fall of 2019 and over 100 businesses and community stakeholders were interviewed. The research team hosted two community engagement sessions that were widely advertised. Right up to March 2020, the project was on-track, on time and on budget. Then COVID-19 hit. Recommendations that had been researched and worked on for the future CEDS were temporarily shelved. Attention was turned to the emergent needs of existing businesses arising out of COVID. The project consultants, the Town and Chamber of Commerce developed a local solution to support businesses- the Business Recovery Support Program (BRSP) and the #LoveLocalPC program. Through the BRSP program, businesses were matched with business coaches, mentors, marketing experts, etc. to help them survive and support them through the recovery. Over 70 local businesses participated in the program and as a result most are still with us.
Where are we Now?
Returning to the original work of the CEDS, the consultants completed the report which is based on a solid foundation of community engagement. The CEDS includes four core strategic directions, thirty recommendations and an action plan on how to get it done. The four goals are 1.Retain and Expand Businesses in the Community; 2. Attract New Investment & Businesses; 3. Develop a Regional Workforce Initiative and 4. Leverage Existing Assets for a Diversified Economy with the focus on creating a rural hub around health and wellness, business services and amenities, and a transportation and logistics hub.
The CEDS document lays out options for volunteer-based community ‘Action Teams’ to support workforce housing options; workforce attraction and the steps to take to capitalize on opportunities to improve local assets. The strategy has been presented to Town Council and the executive summary will be available on the Town website in January 2022. We invite you to mark your calendar with the dates below and watch for more information coming out early in 2022.
CEDS Launch. Upcoming active community participation opportunities:
Community Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). Hear the Plan. | Jan. 17, 2022
Start by hearing the whole strategy at one of two virtual, interactive sessions.
Session 1: January 17 from 1 to 2 p.m. – recording here
Session 2: January 17 from 7 to 8 p.m. – recording here
Then, take the time to think about what you heard and then share your thoughts and feedback with the community in a future session on how the plan will be implemented.
CEDS- Our Downtown: How to Move from Vacancy to Vibrancy | February 15 from 12 - 2 p.m.
Be part of the solution by providing your thoughts, insight and feedback on the plan relative to this issue in a two-hour session. In-person or virtual TBA
Register for this session here.
CEDS- Housing - If we don’t build it, they can’t come! | February 15 from 7 – 9 p.m.
Finding solutions to workforce housing shortages to bring new families to our community and provide options workers for our growing businesses. Hear the plan and share your feedback in a two-hour interactive session. In-person or virtual TBA.
Register for this session here.
CEDS- Workforce Retention and Attraction | February 16 from 10 a.m. – 12 noon
Canada’s population is changing. Businesses are struggling to find staff. How welcoming are we to new people and new ideas? Let’s find out in a discussion about what could be done to help us attract and retain the population that will keep our community vibrant. This two-hour interactive session is designed for community members with ideas to share. In-person or virtual TBA.
Register for this session here.
CEDS- Health & Wellness Opportunities | March 15, time and location TBA
Health and wellness business opportunities are growing for those communities that have it at the forefront of their thinking. Hear the options to support growth in this sector of businesses and provide your feedback in a two hour interactive session on how we can maximize the opportunity.
Register for this session here
View the history of this project here
