Optimism for Revelstoke in 2012

The small city of Revelstoke is taking big strides to ensure that it continues to offer a strong economic community

Revelstoke's attractive downtown is just one of its appealing features. — Jeffrey Cooper photo

The majority of Revelstoke’s businesses are doing well, or even excellent. At least that’s what the business owners themselves are reporting in a recent survey done in the region. They also felt it was a positive place, overall, in which to do business.

So what is it about Revelstoke that is helping the business community succeed in an often challenging atmosphere? Alan Mason, Revelstoke’s director of community economic development, described some of the initiatives that will continue to make Revelstoke a positive place for business.

Tourism opportunities abound

Located right on the Trans-Canada Highway, Revelstoke sees its fair share of visitors, and tourism is continuing to expand.

“We’re one of the communities that is eligible for community infrastructure funds through the Province,” said Mason. “We’ve had a number of projects underway the past several years, and for 2012, the main project will be the development of a new visitor information centre which will be open throughout the year. It’s great to be able to enhance the infrastructure without having to go to the taxpayers.”

There are a number of projects underway for Revelstoke’s fastest growing sector and the opportunities are abundant.

A well-balanced economy

Although tourism is expanding, Revelstoke won’t put all its eggs in one basket.
“For a small town, we have a really balanced, diversified economy,” said Mason. “One of our big goals has been to maintain that, so that we don’t end up dependent on one resource.”
The town’s forestry sector has been picking up and continues to be a top contributor. Additionally, CP Rail is one of Revelstoke’s major employers. Mason pointed out that each of Revelstoke’s active sectors is important to economic success in the area, and that the City will help each area stay active in any way it can.

Proactive community structure

The City of Revelstoke realizes the importance of investing in an economic future. A number of initiatives are in place to help ensure success. Thanks to feedback from the business community, there are plans to enact shop-local campaigns as well as helpful succession planning so businesses can thrive even when owners reach retirement. Mason is also excited about Revelstoke’s participation in the Invest Kootenay initiative.

“It’s a number of communities that have developed a website where they list investment opportunities in the region,” he said. “We’re hoping to expand that with an Invest Revelstoke initiative that would list opportunities here, which would link into the Invest Kootenay program and then also into the Invest BC and the Invest Canada national program.”