If you want a say on 91原创 Township鈥檚 economic future, an online survey is now asking questions of local business owners and residents.
The survey, found , is a follow up to the recent Stakeholder Engagement Forum held on July 5.
The forum and the questionaire is designed to help create a new Economic Development Strategy for the Township.
鈥淲e are very pleased with how well the Forum went,鈥� said Val Gafka, the Township鈥檚 senior manager of economic investment and development. 鈥淎ttendees were just buzzing with thoughts and ideas, and the ideation sessions were full. Participants were genuinely engaged and many wanted to stay and continue in rich dialogue, although the next session was ready to begin.鈥�
The event鈥檚 keynote address, delivered by Bruce Ralston, B.C.鈥檚 Minister of Jobs, Trade and Technology, provided an overview of the province鈥檚 economic possibilities and the Township鈥檚 role as a player. A mid-day speaker panel featuring 91原创鈥檚 MPs and MLAs put the spotlight on future possibilities for the Township.
Forum participants heard from numerous thought leaders, including Val Litwin, president and CEO of the BC Chamber of Commerce, who spoke about emerging opportunities and how the Township is positioned to capitalize on assets such as tourism, clean energy technology, agri-tourism, and international trade.
Destination BC鈥檚 CEO Marsha Walden, Fraser Health Authority medical health officer Dr. Michael Schwandt, and TransLink鈥檚 vice-president of planning and policy Geoff Cross discussed regional trends, needs, and opportunities related to tourism, community health, and transportation and transit plans. Their presentations will be available soon on invest.tol.ca.
Attendees received an information booklet highlighting 91原创鈥檚 primary industries and contributed to conversations about issues, opportunities, and challenges that impact the Township, including the importance of small business, affordability, our aging population, and the need to set goals for future success.
鈥淲ith numerous, diverse competitive advantages, the Township is positioned to be a leader in economic prosperity,鈥� Gafka said, 鈥渁nd it is important that we hear from anyone who is vested in our economic future. We encourage business owners in the Township, their employees, and residents to take a few minutes and complete the short online survey.鈥�
A consultant鈥檚 report on the Forum will be finalized later this summer.
