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Sylvan Lake promotes more development

The Town of Sylvan Lake is looking to drum up some more business.An economic development officer is being recruited for the town of about 11,000 people.

The Town of Sylvan Lake is looking to drum up some more business.

An economic development officer is being recruited for the town of about 11,000 people.

Mayor Susan Samson said a committee has been looking at strategies to boost economic development and studied what sort of contribution an economic development officer could make.

“We didn’t want to be in a situation where you hire someone and not be really sure what they are going to do,” she said of the new staff position.

The committee came up with a list of projects for the new hire, the first of which will be to organize a business forum to review economic development policies and decisions, and review existing land use zoning.

“We’re doing that now with the update of our economic development plan but this conversation would take place with business,” she said.

The officer would be looking for feedback on what attracted businesses to the community and the successes and shortcomings of the town’s current approach.

Also on the work list for the officer will be the development of a tourism strategy and a business-friendly protocol for the municipality’s staff, including training. Updating the community’s business profile so those considering moving to the community can find out easily online what businesses, services and amenities are available will also be a priority.

Some of the longer-range projects include working with Red Deer College to see if a satellite branch could be set up in Sylvan Lake, developing a plan to attract light industry and to continue to explore downtown revitalization.

“It’s a fairly lengthy list. There will be no shortage of work,” said Samson.

pcowley@www.reddeeradvocate.com