The City of Red Deer is looking at how to attract new businesses and help retain and grow existing ones.
Administration told the city’s Governance and Policy Committee on Monday about plans to do an Economic Development Strategy.
“What do we need to attract business here?,” said Planning Services director Paul Meyette. “I know council has struggled with this. Is it at the tax level or some other way to bring them?”
Meyette said the city wants to retain businesses, help them to grow and also bring new ones here.
Different needs exist for each of those areas.
The budgeted amount for this project is set at $102,000 of which $52,000 would come from the city’s land bank.
The committee, which is made up of city council, discussed what should be included in the strategy.
Coun. Paul Harris questioned why the Downtown Business Association wasn’t part of the steering committee, and yet, Red Deer Airport was.
Meyette said the downtown association’s membership would be considered for the committee. He added the airport CEO RJ Steenstra at the table was important.
Coun. Cindy Jefferies added it’s important to keep Red Deer College in the conversations as well, even if they don’t become a part of the committee.
“I think the city’s strength will strengthen the region,” she added.
City council is expected to consider the strategy for approval in August.
A consultant would then be chosen in November, with project completion slated sometime in the second quarter of 2013.
ltester@www.reddeeradvocate.com