Changes in economic development and how they're handled on the Sunshine Coast recently brought local governments together for discussion.
A workshop held last week saw the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD), the Sechelt Indian Government District, the District of Sechelt and Town of Gibsons examine various developmentoptions and how they are able to collaborate on the process. The governments, in turn, asked their chief administrative officers (CAO) to review how these options can be delivered Coast-wide.
The CAOs were asked to form a task force to look at several organizational models, including models developed locally and those from other locations. The task force has also been asked to review different methods of economic development funding and what procedures they feel will work best.
Both local stakeholders and representatives from other areas in B.C. will be consulted in the process.
SCRD CAO John France said the end of the workshop had the CAOs look at some projects. Although only in premature stages, they gave ideas on how to move forward while emphasizing the workshop's focus on government collaboration.
"There was agreement on moving forward with a regional model for economic development," said France. "It was a positive meeting, with all political reps acknowledging and attracting business on the Coast. Collectively, we will be better able to respond to economic opportunities."
SCRD board chair Garry Nohr, a firm advocate of economic development, echoed France's statement.
"The opportunity exists to identify some key priorities where local governments may collectively bring jobs and investment to the Sunshine Coast," Nohr said.
Currently, the SCRD, the Town of Gibsons and multiple Gibsons area businesses fund Best Coast Initiatives, a Gibsons-based economic development agency responsible for various projects.
Local government officials plan to meet again in June of this year. They will review notes from the workshop and discuss the task force's compiled ideas and suggestions.
