Town agencies collaborate on economic development
A meeting was held in order to discuss a new collaboration of economic development within the town of Drumheller and area.
The overall goal of the meeting was to start discussions and lay groundwork for the economic development action plan of the town which will be happening over the next two to three years.
“This is not a plan to sit on the shelf, this is very much an action plan that we can work through,” said Economic Development Communications Officer Julia Fielding.
“We all want to see the town succeed.”
The meeting was between the Town of Drumheller council, the economic development Task Force which represents the business community across Drumheller, Travel Drumheller, the Drumheller and District Chamber of Commerce (DDCC), Community Futures, as well as Central Alberta Economic Partnership (CAEP) and Kneehill Economic Development officer Patrick Earl.
The group of 25 decided to focus on three main areas: tourism, services, and downtown revitalization. They also will work on other opportunities as they arise.
“That doesn’t mean that is all we’re going to do, but it gives us quite a clear focus for the next two to three years as to where we want to go,” said Fielding.
With wheels now turning, the group needs to prioritize, add timelines and costs as well as figure out who is designated to do what in order to fulfill the new plan.
The advisory group will be meeting every month to discuss how to move forward and work out more final details.
This was the first time the group has come together to work on the action plan.
“It was hard to start with but I think all of us want the town to prosper,” said Fielding.
“All those different groups in one meeting is fantastic and we just need to keep that momentum and move forward together.”