The Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) is creating a regional economic development charter to coordinate development initiatives in their communities with support from the Island Coastal Economic Trust (ICET).
"The various communities in the Sunshine Coast Regional District have long been discussing how they could address economic development and support business and community development from a regional perspective," said ICET chair Phil Kent. "Through ICET's economic development readiness program, we can provide financial support for the development of a collaborative approach to meet common goals and maximize each community's efforts."
This program is providing $7,500 toward the development of the SCRD's project, matching the $7,500 investment from the regional district.
"Working together toward a common vision for our region and communities opens up opportunities," said SCRD board chair Garry Nohr. "We plan to combine our resources to develop needed infrastructure and services."
The charter will be developed via a series of workshops that guide participants through understanding and assessing current approaches, and then developing the charter, which defines rules for decision-making, governance, and citizen engagement.
The charter will support regional economic cooperation, the definition of a regional vision and a forum for developing the best approaches for the region.
ICET is a $50 million endowment established in 2006 by the provincial government to help diversify the economies of central and northern Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast.
ICET has approved $47 million for more than 100 economic infrastructure and economic development readiness projects.
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