Stakeholders in two neighbouring communities are suggesting the towns change the way they do business to boost local tourism.
The Black Diamond Turner Valley Intermunicipal Economic Development Committee presented to councils in both communities in mid-March suggestions to build on the economic development capacity, promote a friendly environment for developing and existing businesses, support business retention and promote arts and culture. The committee was formed last year, consisting of six residents who have business and tourism experience, to develop a marketing plan for the two towns.
“This is our new community profile,” Black Diamond special events co-ordinator, Kelly Tuck, told council on March 18. “It’s got great information in it with some really good ideas.”
Tuck said the committee met with merchants and stakeholders over several weeks and hosted a round table-style workshop last summer to collect information on how the Towns can better attract and retain business.
An invitation was sent to 63 developers, builders, realtors and property owners. Tuck said the 24 who attended shared their views on the challenges, barriers and opportunities that exist in the industry, and have committed to work together to improve the economic environment and address issues that are hindering progress.
“One of the things that was a consistent message from some of our businesses is that it’s really difficult to work with the Town, that the Town doesn’t meet their needs,” Tuck said. “We need to find a better way to work with them.”
In speaking with developers and builders last year, Black Diamond Coun. Brian Marconi said some expressed the need for incentives, and asked Tuck if this is being explored.
Tuck responded that suggestions have included delaying tax payments, or similar initiatives to Turner Valley where the Town offered financial assistance for beautifying business exteriors.
Recommendations include supporting developers, builders and realtors by considering investing or sharing in infrastructure costs and business attraction promotions, adopting a permissive approach to development and new business, allowing more flexibility in zoning, permitted/discretionary uses and parking guidelines, and exploring infrastructure development financing and cost-share opportunities with developers.
Other recommendations suggested supporting business retention and expansion by providing platforms to promote existing businesses and providing resources for new businesses and entrepreneurs.
“We need to tell everyone we are open for business and this is how we are open for business,” Tuck said.
She said the next step is working towards the recommendations while remaining engaged with stakeholders and council.
“It’s about building and moving forward and having information on the website on how they can do business with us,” she said. “It’s an exciting time, even though it’s a very scary time for us right now with the coronavirus.”
During Turner Valley's March 16 council meeting, Coun. Lana Hamilton said the recommendations should be easy to address.
“Red tape, respective land use bylaws… these are definitely things we can work on with administration to encourage some investment into the town,” she said. “Some of the challenges are out of our control, but there are things we can do to help the situation. These are definitely recommendations that I think we should look at.”
Coun. Jonathan Gordon said business retention and expansion are key.
“With the economic climate we’re currently facing that is a stressor for our economic stability,” he said. “I will make sure that continues on our radar as a council.”
Gordon said the recommendation to check back with industry sector businesses annually with updates and to seek input must be followed through.
“One thing they have stressed is they want to see it as an annual event to hear from our developers, our planners and our local businesses,” he said. “Let’s make sure that we have that expectation of our administration.”
Turner Valley Mayor Barry Crane said while he’s excited about the potential of attracting business and tourism to the two towns, they are faced with some tough times ahead during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“For me it’s about where do we go from here and where the cogs are going to work in the environment we’re presently in,” he said. “It’s going to be an interesting challenge and a lot of wait and see on the horizon.”
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