More than 30 Central Alberta communities have taken a hard look at what they have to offer and what they lack as part of an economic development action plan.
The Community Investment Readiness Project was led by the Central Alberta Economic Partnership (CAEP) as part of its ongoing strategy to raise the profile and boost economic development of its 42-member communities.
Since each community has different levels of investment readiness, action plans were tailored to fit.
CAEP chairman Al Kemmere said the Community Strategic Action Plans are the third phase of a multi-year drive to improve economic development opportunities among the group’s members.
The 32 communities, including 31 municipalities and Hobbema’s Montana First Nations band, worked with a consultant to develop plans.
Kemmere said the final report on the project has not been completed but he believes the participation rates and results are encouraging.
“I would call it a success at this point.”
County of Stettler Councillor Joe Gendre said the goal of the plan was to assess what can be done to be ready for investment possibilities.
“If someone wants to put up a widget factory are you ready for that zoning,” he said. Identifying where power, water or good transportation links are readily available helps target areas where different types of development can be encouraged.
Each community was also expected to take assess its strengths and weaknesses and to outline a plan to address those, said Gendre, who is the county’s representative on CAEP.
In the County of Stettler, the first step will be developing area structure plans for the small community of Erskine and the lake district, a collection of two summer villages and other smaller communities around the south end of Buffalo Lake.
Gendre sees lots of untapped potential in Erskine, a community of about 400 people, 10 km west of Stettler.
“It’s a beautiful little gem of a hamlet but yet we have no idea how we want it to grow,” he said.
The project also looked at issues such as how to keep schools and provide seniors care.
One of the first priorities will be updating investor and county information on its website, preparing investment packages and beginning ground work on a regional economic development strategy.
Earlier this month, the organization rolled out an initiative that saw investment attraction videos for members that have been posted on CAEP’s website. The videos can also be used at trade shows and other venues.
pcowley@www.reddeeradvocate.com