Investing in events

Along with Lake Windermere, events and activities are key attractions to beautiful Invermere, B.C.

Gerry Taft is into his second term as mayor of the District of Invermere, B.C. — Photo courtesy Gerry Taft

Gerry Taft, mayor of the District of Invermere, B.C., has learned a few things in his 11 years as a member of the district’s council. Taft was born and raised in Invermere, and during the two years he spent at college in Kamloops, studying hotel and restaurant management, he found himself hungry for news of his home community. On his return two years later, he was determined to become involved instead of being on the sidelines.

Stepping into leadership

Taft was elected to the district council in 2002 at the age of 20, and served for two terms. He ran for mayor in 2008, and is now in his second term in that position. From early on, he was impressed with the level of support that he observed in the community—for himself and for the council as a whole.

“Officially,” Taft said, “this is a part-time job, but the hours of work vary greatly depending on what’s going on. There’s a surprising amount of respect out there for the position. Lots of people are quietly supportive; they see the positives and give acknowledgement, and we look to them for objective opinions on controversial issues.”

Planning for a dynamic future

Taft shared an interesting insight with us when he talked about Invermere’s future.

“While we are certainly focused on economic development,” he said, “it’s events and activities that draw people to a community and keep them there, more than infrastructure. Through participation in events and activities, people create relationships and build memories—and that’s what keeps them coming back.”

Taft said that in slow economic times, communities typically work to attract new businesses and visitors.

“But," he said, “there’s something to be said for enhancing the experience of people who are already in the community, giving them a better experience so they attract other people to come here. Word of mouth is way better than any advertising we can do.”

Demonstrating its belief in the power of events, in June 2013 the District of Invermere hired an events co-ordinator, Theresa Wood. Her job is to support existing events and create new ones, capitalizing on what Invermere has to offer and making it the best possible experience for visitors and all of its residents, full-time and part-time.