The Township of Esquimalt Economic Development Strategy was approved by Council at last night’s Council meeting.
The document was shaped over two years through input from industry, local businesses, community groups and residents. Eight separate economic sector roundtables each developed a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis and recommended actions to encourage sustainable economic growth in the economy. This information was reviewed by the wider community – and input was encouraged - through two community forums and online surveys. Coordination and development of the document and strategy was completed in-house using Township staff.
The strategy is comprised of 15 unique strategies targeting four focus areas for action: business attraction and retention, commercial and industrial revitalization, community image, and quality of life. In total there are 98 distinct actions to be implemented over the next five years.
“The document reflects input from a variety of sectors, organizations and individuals,” said Director of Development Services Bill Brown. “We look forward to working with our community partners and residents in further developing Esquimalt’s economy.”
The Esquimalt Chamber of Commerce is expected to lead some aspects of the strategy, such as a shop local campaign, and some actions have already been completed including a hosted bus tour of Esquimalt by local realtors.
Considered to be a “living document” Council will update the strategy annually as part of its strategic planning and progress on the implementation of the four focus areas will be monitored regularly.
For the full strategy document, click here.
For document appendices, click here.
For the strategy summary, click here.
For more information on the Economic Development Strategy, please contact:
Bill Brown, Director of Development Services
Tel: 250-414-7146