Economic Development is driven by a process that supports established
businesses, entrepreneurs creating new businesses, and dedicated individuals
and volunteer groups building our community. In support of economic
development, The Town of Golden’s elected leaders are responsible for creating a
level playing field by removing the barriers to entry, encouraging economic development,
and allowing it to flourish.
As a Resort Municipality, recreational and tourism infrastructure
in and around Golden are key to the continued growth and sustainability of this
industry. This industry has been driven by individuals and volunteer groups
with a passion for their sport and a vision of the possibilities.
This passion
and vision were the force behind the White Tooth Ski Hill development; the
Golden and District Golf Club; the Mount 7 Hang Gliding Centre, the Kinsmen Curling
Club; the Rod and Gun Club’s shooting range; the Rotary Hiking Trails; the
Nordic Club’s x-country ski trails at Dawn Mountain; the Golden Cycling Club network
of bike trails; and the Snowmobile
Club’s trails.
These are just a sample of the efforts to build the foundation
for continued growth and development of the Golden lifestyle; adventure, and
authenticity.
Bringing all of these efforts together is Tourism Golden
through its continued support in marketing our world class attractions to the
adventure tourist. The challenge today is to translate the efforts of our
tourism assets into a working model that promotes and supports an effective and
affordable economic development approach.
As a first step toward this approach in 2014 Golden joined
Invest Kootenays. Administered through the Chamber of Commerce, it is the first
point of contact for entrepreneurs, businesses, and investors interested in exploring
economic opportunities in our region.
As Mayor, my goal will be to collaborate with Invest
Kootenays to establish a steering committee of volunteers to direct economic
development in Golden. The steering committee would bring together government,
businesses, the Chamber, and individuals to guide our economic development
future.
In order to support the business community, attract new
businesses, and create jobs for our residents, the Town of Golden needs to invest
in a vision, a direction for the future, and build from within. An updated
Official Community Plan is the key policy framework to support our residents,
businesses, and tourism industry. With a revised and updated OCP, the Town of
Golden will have the policy framework that gives direction to our actions.
The opinions expressed in this blog are my personal opinions and may not represent the opinions of other Councillors nor the opinion of council.
