Castlegar’s Economic Development Strategy requires feedback from residents

Area residents in Castlegar are being invited to fill out a community survey to help define a vision for the city's future. — Photo courtesy Murray Foubister/Flickr

In a first for the community, The City of Castlegar, the Castlegar & District Chamber of Commerce and the Regional District of Central Kootenay (Areas I and J) have partnered to create a long-term Economic Development Strategy. As part of that strategy, area residents are invited to share their thoughts on the future direction of the city.

Work on the Economic Development Strategy began pre-pandemic and was delayed while the community focused on the more immediate business recovery concerns brought about by COVID-19. Interviews with community and business leaders have been conducted, along with two workshops and data analysis of competitive economic sectors. Key themes have emerged from this information and feedback is being sought from residents.

“We want this Economic Development Strategy to embrace big ideas that will set our region apart as we look to the future,” says Castlegar Mayor, Bruno Tassone. “We also need to focus on clear actions that will support our ambitious vision for the future.”

The Economic Development Strategy Community survey is open until September 14, 2020. The survey includes questions about what Castlegar’s community vision should look like for the future, and sharing ideas about opportunities.

“Great things have been happening in Castlegar & District, including Millennium Park Ponds, Sculpturewalk, Columbia Avenue revitalization, new development activity on the airport lands, new housing in Regional District of Central Kootenay Areas I and J, and forestry industry expansion,” says Castlegar & District Executive Director Tammy Verigin-Burk. “We will be able to achieve even more by working together.”

Local businesses are also invited to fill out the online Business Survey. Feedback will help to develop a strategy and action plan that will guide business development and regional economic cooperation among all partners over the next 5 years.